Tropical Cyclone Jude Causes Tragedy in Mozambique and Malawi

Tropical Cyclone Jude has killed nine people in Mozambique and Malawi, with six deaths in Mozambique and three in Malawi. Over 29,500 have been affected by displacement and flooding. Relief operations face challenges due to damaged infrastructure following the cyclone’s impact.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has tragically claimed the lives of at least nine individuals across Mozambique and Malawi, as reported by officials on Thursday. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) in Mozambique confirmed that the cyclone resulted in six fatalities, injured 20 individuals, and displaced approximately 9,525 people across the provinces of Nampula, Niasa, and Zambezia.

In Malawi, three fatalities have been reported alongside the displacement of 20,000 residents due to severe flooding in the southern sector of the country. Chiphiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi, indicated that the displaced population is currently being accommodated in evacuation centers.

The cyclone initially made landfall in northern Mozambique early on Sunday, progressing into southern Malawi and causing extensive flooding from Monday through Wednesday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that relief efforts are being significantly hindered by the destruction of roads and bridges, complicating access to affected areas.

It is important to note that this disaster follows the devastation from Cyclone Chido last December, which resulted in the loss of 73 lives in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi. These recurring cyclones highlight the vulnerable state of the regions affected and the pressing need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has led to considerable loss of life and extensive displacement in Mozambique and Malawi. With nine confirmed deaths and significant infrastructural damage, the affected regions require urgent humanitarian assistance. The ongoing challenges exacerbated by prior cyclones underline the necessity for improved disaster response strategies in these vulnerable areas.

Original Source: www.yenisafak.com