Mozambique Reports Rising Death Toll and Damage from Cyclone Jude

Cyclone Jude has resulted in 14 deaths and numerous injuries in Mozambique, with significant property and infrastructure damage. Authorities are assessing the situation and have set up accommodation for displaced persons. The cyclone’s trajectory has changed, minimizing any further threat to the region.

The death toll from Cyclone Jude in Mozambique has risen to 14, as reported by Inocencio Impissa, the Minister of State Administration. This report follows a Council of Ministers meeting held in Maputo. Additionally, there are at least 60 reported injuries resulting from the cyclone, with fatalities primarily caused by structural collapses, lightning strikes, and drowning. Authorities anticipate that the casualty figures could increase as more data comes in from remote regions.

The cyclone inflicted significant damage, destroying 7,041 houses and impacting another 13,139. Furthermore, 30 health units and 182 classrooms in 59 schools were affected, disrupting the education of 17,401 pupils and 264 teachers. Although major roads were destroyed, some traffic, including light vehicles, has resumed between Nampula and other northern Mozambique regions because of temporary diversions created by contractors from the National Roads Administration (ANE).

The EN1 highway, crucial for north-south travel, was severely damaged at Anchilo, leaving a large gap in the road. In this context, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Joao Matlombe, emphasized the need for repairs estimated to cost around 800 million meticais (approximately $12.5 million). He indicated that further evaluations might reveal more complex repair needs, especially for Nampula’s bridges, while prioritizing alternative transportation routes until the infrastructure is restored.

Additionally, Cyclone Jude caused the destruction of 19 electricity pylons and flooded 1,262 hectares of farmland. Impissa noted that multi-sector teams continue to assess the cyclone’s impacts in the affected areas. To assist those displaced, nine accommodation centers have been established in Nampula, providing shelter for approximately 1,985 individuals.

Interestingly, the cyclonic storm veered eastward into Zambezia province and did not head into Malawi as initially anticipated. After making landfall, Jude is projected to move into the Indian Ocean, likely no longer posing any threat to Mozambique.

In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has caused severe devastation in Mozambique, resulting in 14 confirmed deaths and significant infrastructure damage. With many homes, health facilities, and educational institutions affected, the government’s immediate focus is on assessing and repairing the considerable destruction while providing assistance to displaced populations. Fortunately, the cyclone has changed course, and its future path appears to pose no further risks to Mozambique.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com