Cyclone Jude Causes Damage in Malawi and Mozambique With No Reported Deaths
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands, but no fatalities. Relief efforts have been hampered by washed-out infrastructure, although aid organizations are working to provide assistance. The cyclone is expected to dissipate soon, but flooding concerns linger.
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted southern Africa this week, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage but no reported fatalities. Thousands have lost their homes and many areas are experiencing power outages. Relief efforts have been complicated due to washed-away roads, hampering aid distribution.
Jude made landfall in northern Mozambique on a Sunday and spread heavy rainfall across 13 districts in Malawi from Monday to Wednesday, affecting over 11,000 people. Homes, crops, and property suffered extensive damage due to flooding, and more than 3,000 people have been displaced and placed in evacuation camps.
Initial reports from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that despite no deaths, at least 15 injuries occurred due to collapsing buildings, including those of two young boys. Efforts to locate three missing individuals in Nsanje and Phalombe are ongoing after their boat capsized during the flooding.
In Mozambique, United Nations agencies noted that humanitarian operations faced significant challenges due to washed-away roads, which limited access in the Nampula province. The storm severely impacted connectivity, including cutting off the main N1 national highway.
In response, international aid organizations, including the World Food Program, have begun relief operations in Malawi’s accessible regions. They recently distributed relief supplies, using previously positioned food supplies and equipment to facilitate rapid response.
Cyclone Jude has moved towards Mozambique, with projections indicating its dissipation. Flooding concerns remain, but experts suggest the current rainfall will have minimal impact. Jude is the third cyclone to strike Mozambique in the last three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
In summary, Cyclone Jude caused extensive damage in Malawi and Mozambique, displacing thousands and presenting challenges to relief operations due to destroyed road infrastructures. While no fatalities have been reported, injuries occurred from property collapses. Emergency response efforts are ongoing, with expectations of reduced cyclone threats; however, flooding remains a concern.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
