Cyclone Jude Strikes Mozambique: 16 Lives Lost and Over 302,000 Affected

Cyclone Jude has caused 16 fatalities and affected over 302,000 people in Mozambique. The cyclone has led to significant destruction, including thousands of damaged homes and schools, impacting the education of many students. Mozambique faces ongoing challenges from climate change, experiencing regular natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, and droughts.

Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals in Mozambique, affecting over 302,000 people, according to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The latest report states that two individuals are still missing, with 302,653 total affected individuals and 65,164 families impacted across several provinces, including Tete, Manica, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.

The destruction caused by Cyclone Jude is extensive, with 70,163 houses reported as either totally or partially destroyed, along with 988 houses flooded and 134 places of worship affected. Educational institutions have also suffered, with 247 schools and 674 classrooms impacted, disrupting the education of approximately 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Infrastructure damage includes 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and 101,239 agricultural areas.

Moreover, the cyclone impacted public health services, damaging 72 health units and two public buildings, while also affecting 68 vessels, eight water supply systems, and overturning 1,224 electric poles. The damage extends to approximately 2,859 kilometers of roads and 671.6 kilometers of roadways.

Currently, Mozambique is experiencing its rainy season, lasting from October to April, during which the country has already faced previous cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi. The impact of these weather events is significant, with previous cyclones impacting around 736,000 individuals and leading to extensive destruction of infrastructure.

Since 2019, extreme weather events in Mozambique have resulted in at least 1,016 fatalities and affected nearly 4.9 million people, demonstrating the nation’s vulnerability to climate change. The country regularly endures the consequences of both flooding and tropical cyclones, as well as prolonged droughts.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has inflicted severe damage on Mozambique, resulting in loss of life and widespread disruption to communities. The casualty figures and the extensive damage to infrastructure underscore the challenges posed by climate change, as Mozambique continues to face frequent natural disasters during its rainy season. The ongoing vulnerability of the nation necessitates urgent attention and action to mitigate the effects of future cyclones.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com