Cyclone Jude Strikes Northern Mozambique: Impacts and Response

Cyclone Jude has become the third storm to hit Northern Mozambique in four months, causing severe flooding and infrastructure damage with winds up to 195 km/h. The situation has heightened vulnerability, especially among children, as humanitarian aid efforts struggle to keep pace with the needs. UNICEF is actively involved in providing emergency assistance.

Cyclone Jude has struck Northern Mozambique, marking the third storm to impact the region within a span of four months. The cyclone made landfall in the morning, exhibiting winds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph) and gusts reaching 195 km/h, as reported by the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM). Situated in the Mossuril district of Nampula province, the storm generated severe flooding and substantial infrastructural damages, displacing numerous individuals and leaving them without power.

Residents in Nacala, a municipality within the province, were taken aback by the severity of the storm. The region was already under strain due to the consequences of two preceding cyclones, which affected local humanitarian response capabilities in December and January. As a result, the situation remains precarious, with critical needs for assistance continuing to grow.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described the situation as “very bad,” highlighting the heightened vulnerability of children amidst the crisis. Flooding exacerbates the risks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, and malaria. Notably, Nampula has the highest population of children among all provinces in Mozambique. UNICEF has partnered with the government to provide emergency aid kits and additional support to those impacted by Cyclone Jude.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has severely impacted Northern Mozambique, compounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis due to previous storms. The widespread flooding and infrastructure damage have created urgent needs for assistance, especially among vulnerable populations, particularly children. UNICEF’s efforts to provide emergency aid highlight the significant challenges facing the region as it navigates the aftermath of this natural disaster.

Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv