Tropical Cyclone Jude Causes Casualties and Displacement in Mozambique and Malawi

Tropical Cyclone Jude has resulted in nine fatalities across Mozambique and Malawi, with severe flooding displacing thousands. Mozambique reported six deaths and 9,525 displaced, while Malawi confirmed three deaths and 20,000 homeless. Relief efforts face challenges due to damaged infrastructures, following a recurring pattern of severe cyclones in the region.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has tragically claimed the lives of at least nine individuals, according to officials. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) in Mozambique reported six fatalities, 20 injuries, and the displacement of 9,525 people primarily in the Nampula and Niasa provinces, as well as the central province of Zambezia.

In neighboring Malawi, three additional lives have been lost, with approximately 20,000 people rendered homeless due to severe flooding in the southern region caused by the cyclone. Chiphiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi, stated that the displaced individuals are currently being accommodated in evacuation centers.

The cyclone made landfall on Sunday in northern Mozambique and subsequently moved to southern Malawi, leading to widespread flooding from Monday through Wednesday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has indicated that relief efforts are being obstructed due to inaccessible roads and destroyed bridges.

Previously, in December, Cyclone Chido had impacted both nations, resulting in 73 deaths in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi. This repeated occurrence of severe weather highlights the ongoing risks faced by these nations in the region.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has inflicted significant casualties and displacement across Mozambique and Malawi, with a total of nine confirmed fatalities. The cyclone has caused extensive flooding and humanitarian challenges, complicating relief operations. Past cyclones, such as Chido, further underscore the vulnerability of these regions to severe weather events.

Original Source: news.az