Cyclone Jude Devastates Mozambique: 16 Dead and over 302,000 Affected

Cyclone Jude has killed 16 people and affected over 302,000 in Mozambique, with widespread destruction of homes, schools, and infrastructure reported. The country continues to deal with the repercussions of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Cyclone Jude has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, resulting in 16 fatalities and impacting over 302,000 individuals as per the latest update from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The current figures reflect a total of 65,164 families affected and include provinces such as Tete and Manica, alongside previously hit areas of Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.

The destruction from Cyclone Jude is extensive, with reports indicating that 70,163 houses were either partially or completely destroyed. Additionally, 988 homes were flooded, along with 134 places of worship. The cyclone has also impacted 247 schools and 674 classrooms, disrupting the education of 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Other infrastructure such as 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and 101,239 agricultural lands were severely impacted.

The cyclone’s aftermath includes damage to at least 72 health facilities and the destruction of two government buildings. Furthermore, the cyclone left 68 vessels damaged, affected eight supply systems, downed 1,224 electrical poles, and impacted 2,859 kilometers of roads, with 671.6 kilometers sustaining substantial damage.

As Mozambique is currently in its rainy season from October to April, it has already experienced cyclones Chido and Dikeledi this period. Cyclones during the earlier months of December and January resulted in extensive damage as well, affecting around 736,000 people, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula.

Since 2019, extreme weather events have led to at least 1,016 deaths and impacted approximately 4.9 million individuals in Mozambique. The country faces continuous challenges from climate change, experiencing a cycle of tropical cyclones and floods during the rainy season along with prolonged droughts.

Cyclone Jude has had a catastrophic effect on Mozambique, with 16 confirmed deaths and over 302,000 people affected. The significant destruction includes thousands of damaged homes, schools, health units, and infrastructure, showcasing the severe impact of climate change on the country. Continuous efforts are needed to address the causes and aid recovery in this vulnerable region.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com