Tropical Cyclone Jude Causes Displacement and Damage in Southern Africa
Cyclone Jude struck southern Africa, affecting Malawi and Mozambique, resulting in widespread damage but no fatalities. Thousands are displaced, and relief efforts face challenges due to washed-out roads. Emergency aid is being distributed, with ongoing searches for missing individuals. Flooding continues to be a concern as aid agencies mobilize resources.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, resulting in significant damage but no fatalities reported. Officials indicated that many individuals are now homeless, and power outages persist in several locations. Aid organizations faced challenges distributing relief due to washed-out roads, hampering their efforts.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and traversed southern Malawi, bringing heavy rains to 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary assessment from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that over 11,000 individuals had been affected, with numerous homes and crops destroyed or inundated by floods.
Among those displaced, more than 3,000 people have found refuge in six evacuation camps. While no deaths were reported, the disaster management department noted 15 injuries, including two young boys aged 5 and 8. Disaster management spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula mentioned that the boys are receiving medical care: “The 5-year-old is receiving medical attention at Queen Elizabeth Central, and the 8-year-old is admitted… at Mwanza District Hospital following the collapsing of a wall of a house.”
Rescuers are still searching for three individuals who went missing in Nsanje and Phalombe districts due to a boat capsizing on a flooded river. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief operations in Mozambique were significantly hindered by restricted access in Nampula province, caused by washed-away infrastructure.
In Malawi, international and local aid agencies initiated relief efforts in areas that were accessible. The World Food Program reported distributing relief supplies in Mulanje district and noted that “with support from the UK government, WFP and the Department of Management Affairs have prepositioned food supplies, emergency kits… to enable rapid response,” according to Simon Denhere, acting country director of WFP in Malawi.
Lucy Mtilatila, director of Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, stated that Cyclone Jude had moved on to Mozambique where its strength was expected to diminish. “Right now, the threat of the cyclone is almost over,” she remarked, although she acknowledged that flooding remains a concern. Cyclone Jude is the third cyclone to hit Mozambique in the past three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
Cyclone Jude has caused significant disruption in southern Africa, particularly in Malawi and Mozambique, leaving thousands without homes or power. Despite the extensive damage and injuries, there have been no reported fatalities. Aid organizations are actively engaged in relief efforts, although access challenges hinder their operations. Continued monitoring and response will be crucial as the region addresses the aftermath of this cyclone and prepares for potential flooding.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
