Cyclone Jude Causes Damage in Southern Africa Without Reported Fatalities
Cyclone Jude recently struck southern Africa, causing damage primarily in Malawi and Mozambique but no deaths. Thousands remain homeless, and many are displaced due to flooding and destroyed property. Relief efforts face challenges due to access issues, though some aid has started to reach affected areas.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, primarily affecting Malawi and Mozambique. While there have been no reported fatalities, the cyclone inflicted significant damage, leaving many homeless and causing power outages across affected regions. Aid agencies faced challenges in providing relief due to washed-away roads hampering access to those in need.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique and later moved over southern Malawi, leading to heavy rainfall that affected 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. Preliminary reports from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicate that over 11,000 individuals have been affected, with numerous crops destroyed and houses submerged in floodwaters.
More than 3,000 people have been displaced and are currently in evacuation camps, although no deaths have been recorded. However, collapsing buildings resulted in injuries to 15 individuals, including two young boys. Reports detail that rescue efforts are ongoing as rescuers search for three missing persons after a boat capsized due to flooding.
In Mozambique, relief operations are hindered by a lack of access to Nampula province, where vital infrastructure has been severely damaged. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicated that the cyclone cut off main routes, complicating the delivery of aid.
Despite the challenges, the World Food Program has begun relief operations in Malawi’s accessible areas, distributing essential supplies. Support from the UK government has enabled the prepositioning of food and emergency kits to facilitate rapid response efforts.
Officials have noted that Cyclone Jude is now moving towards Mozambique where it is expected to dissipate, with the remaining flood threat being deemed minimal. Jude marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which also affected Malawi in January.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted parts of southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage but no reported fatalities. While the immediate threat of the cyclone is diminishing, ongoing relief efforts are essential to support the thousands displaced and affected by the storm. The situation remains concerning, particularly regarding access to aid in Mozambique’s hardest-hit areas. The recent weather events underline the need for preparedness as these severe cyclones become more frequent in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
