Cyclone Jude Causes Widespread Destruction in East Africa

Cyclone Jude has claimed 17 lives and displaced over 15,500 individuals in East Africa, primarily affecting Mozambique and Madagascar. It caused significant infrastructure damage and flooding, primarily in Nampula. The cyclone has exacerbated challenges, including food and water security, and followed prior cyclones in the region.

Cyclone Jude has devastated areas in East Africa, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals—16 in Mozambique and one in Madagascar, as reported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The cyclone injured over 130 people, with four individuals still unaccounted for as of March 18. It displaced more than 10,500 individuals in Madagascar and nearly 5,000 in Malawi, affecting a total of at least 400,000 people across the three impacted countries.

The cyclone initially struck northern Madagascar on March 8, prompting the evacuation of thousands to temporary shelters. After intensifying in the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula province on March 10, recording winds of up to 140 kph (approximately 87 mph) and gusts reaching 195 kph (121 mph). The region experienced torrential rainfall exceeding 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) within a 24-hour period, resultant in flooding.

In Mozambique, flight operations were disrupted, and 900 residences were destroyed. The World Food Programme reported significant flooding of approximately 49,593 hectares (122,547 acres) of cropland. A cholera outbreak was also observed in Larde, emphasizing the severity of the situation as noted by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Over 400,000 residents of Nampula encountered power outages due to the cyclone’s destruction.

Prior to the cyclone’s landfall, the U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund allocated $6 million for early warnings and essential supplies. Between March 10 and 12, Cyclone Jude progressed through Malawi, further contributing to heavy rainfall before returning to Mozambique.

OCHA reported extensive infrastructural damage in Mozambique, including the destruction or partial damage of 70,000 houses, 247 schools, 72 health facilities, and various water systems and bridges by March 18. Cyclone Jude marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique in just under three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.

After re-entering Madagascar on March 15, Cyclone Jude severely affected educational institutions, with 89 classrooms destroyed and 182 sustaining damage. Consequently, 48,000 students were unable to attend school as of March 18. OCHA noted that this is the first occurrence of a strong weather system traversing the entire southern region of Madagascar, leading to significant accessibility issues for relief efforts in affected districts.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has inflicted considerable damage in East Africa, leading to 17 fatalities and displacing thousands. The storm severely impacted infrastructure, disrupted education, and caused flooding and disease outbreaks across regions. The response efforts, including financial allocations from the U.N., aim to mitigate the devastation and provide necessary relief. The calamity underscores the vulnerability of these regions to extreme weather events.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com