Impact of Cyclone Jude on Southern Africa: Damage and Relief Efforts

Tropical Cyclone Jude hit southern Africa, particularly affecting Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage but no deaths. Thousands are homeless, and relief efforts face challenges due to washed-away roads. In Malawi, over 11,000 people were affected, with some hospitalized due to injuries from collapsing buildings. Rescue operations are ongoing, and while flooding remains a concern, the cyclone’s immediate threat is decreasing.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has recently impacted southern Africa, causing significant damage in Malawi and Mozambique without any fatalities reported. Officials indicated that thousands were left homeless, and power outages occurred in various areas, inhibiting effective relief efforts due to washed-away roads.

The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique early on Sunday and subsequently affected southern Malawi, leading to heavy rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary assessment by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicates that over 11,000 people have been adversely affected, with many losing crops and having their properties inundated or destroyed.

The assessment also stated that more than 3,000 individuals were displaced, now residing in six evacuation camps. Although no deaths were recorded, 15 individuals suffered injuries from collapsing structures, including two young boys aged 5 and 8, who are currently receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.

Rescue operations continue as officials search for three individuals who went missing after their boat capsized in flooded rivers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that in Mozambique, relief efforts faced significant obstacles due to inaccessible areas in Nampula province, where critical infrastructure was damaged.

Moreover, moving relief supplies from Cabo Delgado province to Nampula is complicated due to road closures following the storm’s impact. While international aid agencies and the government have initiated response efforts in Malawi’s accessible areas, the World Food Program has begun distributing relief items in the Mulanje district under the support of the UK government, ensuring essential supplies are available to those affected.

As the cyclone moved towards Mozambique, the threat it posed appears to be diminishing, though ongoing flooding remains a concern. Experts noted that Cyclone Jude marks the third such weather event affecting Mozambique in a short span, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi earlier this year.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc in southern Africa, particularly impacting Malawi and Mozambique. Fortunately, while there have been injuries, no deaths have been reported. The relief efforts are challenged by damaged infrastructure, yet both governments and international agencies are mobilizing resources to support those affected. Continued vigilance is necessary as concerns surrounding flooding persist in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Original Source: www.voanews.com