Tropical Cyclone Jude’s Impact: Nine Lives Lost in Mozambique and Malawi

Tropical Cyclone Jude has claimed at least nine lives, with six fatalities in Mozambique and three in Malawi. The cyclone displaced thousands, causing significant flooding and hindering relief efforts due to washed away infrastructure. This follows the deadly Cyclone Chido from December, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to such disasters.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the loss of at least nine lives across Mozambique and Malawi. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) in Mozambique reported that six people have died, with an additional 20 injuries and 9,525 individuals displaced in the northern provinces of Nampula and Niasa, as well as the central province of Zambezia.

In Malawi, three fatalities have been confirmed, and approximately 20,000 people have become homeless due to significant flooding in the southern region caused by the cyclone. Chiphiliro Khamula, a spokesperson from 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 in northern Mozambique early Sunday before advancing into southern Malawi, where heavy flooding was reported from Monday to Wednesday. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), relief efforts are being severely obstructed by the destruction of roads and bridges, which have been washed away by the deluge.

It is noteworthy that this disaster follows the devastating impacts of Cyclone Chido last December, which resulted in 73 deaths in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi. The ongoing challenges reveal the persistent threat posed by tropical cyclones in the region, necessitating vigilant disaster preparedness and response measures.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Mozambique and Malawi, leading to nine confirmed fatalities and significant displacement. The destruction to infrastructure has hampered relief efforts, amplifying the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the affected areas. The cycle of destruction from cyclones highlights the increased vulnerability of these regions, necessitating better disaster management strategies moving forward.

Original Source: news.az