Impact of Cyclone Jude: Over 17,000 Children Deprived of Education in Mozambique
Cyclone Jude has devastated Mozambique, impacting 20,000 children and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. An estimated 747,000 people are affected, facing risks of water-borne diseases. UNICEF reports a significant rise in the number of children without access to education. The urgent need for resources is critical for effective response efforts to help those affected.
Cyclone Jude has been the third devastating cyclone to strike Mozambique in recent months, impacting approximately 20,000 children by destroying schools and affecting over 20,000 homes. The cyclone has severely impacted an estimated 747,000 individuals, half of whom are children, due to strong winds and heavy rainfall that led to flash flooding in the northern provinces of Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia.
On Monday, October 3rd, Cyclone Jude struck Nampula with wind speeds reaching 195 km/h, causing substantial destruction to vital infrastructure such as roads, water and electric systems, health facilities, and educational institutions. Reports from UNICEF indicate that at least 17,000 children currently lack access to education, with this figure likely to rise as the situation develops.
The intense flooding poses additional health risks, with concerns about water-borne illnesses, including cholera and diarrhea, that significantly threaten children’s well-being. Furthermore, damage to crucial roadways hampers the distribution of essential goods to communities. It is noteworthy that over 730,000 individuals were still reeling from the effects of previous cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which had already devastated more than 150,000 homes, 471 schools, and 100 health facilities.
Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF’s Representative in Mozambique, emphasized the dire consequences of Cyclone Jude: “The impact of Cyclone Jude on hundreds of thousands of children and families already affected by Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi is devastating.” She highlighted that the ongoing destruction poses a significant challenge to the already stretched resources of organizations responding to this crisis.
UNICEF, in coordination with partners and the government, is actively working to address the needs of those affected by the cyclones. However, they require urgent additional funding to continue their efforts effectively.
Cyclone Jude has exacerbated an already critical situation in Mozambique, impacting thousands of children and families. The destruction of schools and vital infrastructure due to severe weather has created immediate challenges regarding education and health. As UNICEF and others strive to provide support, the need for additional resources becomes increasingly urgent to aid the recovery and humanitarian response efforts.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
