Cyclone Jude Leaves 14 Dead and Causes Extensive Damage in Mozambique

Cyclone Jude has resulted in 14 confirmed deaths and 60 injuries in Mozambique, with significant infrastructure damage including thousands of homes and health facilities. As recovery efforts begin, alternative transportation routes are being established, while the humanitarian crisis unfolds with nearly 2,000 individuals seeking shelter. The cyclone has changed course and is currently affecting Madagascar, posing no further threat to Mozambique.

The cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on northern and central Mozambique, resulting in a confirmed death toll of 14, as reported by government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa. In addition, 60 individuals have sustained injuries due to various causes, including house collapses, lightning strikes, and drowning. Authorities anticipate that the death toll may increase as more information arrives from remote areas affected by washed-away infrastructure.

The cyclone has wreaked havoc on local infrastructure, destroying 7,041 homes and damaging an additional 13,139. Furthermore, 30 health units and 182 classrooms across 59 schools have been impacted, affecting nearly 17,401 pupils and 264 teachers. Although major access roads into Nampula province suffered extensive damage, light traffic has resumed between Nampula city and the surrounding regions as of Friday afternoon.

The main north-south highway (EN1) was significantly affected, with a 20-meter gap created at the Anchilo administrative post. To address this issue, contractors from the National Roads Administration have constructed a diversion for light vehicles, although heavy trucks remain unable to pass. Minister of Transport and Logistics, Joao Matlombe, noted that approximately 800 million meticais (around 12.5 million dollars) will be necessary to repair the damage identified on six crucial road stretches by the National Roads Administration.

Concerns remain that further evaluations may reveal the need for additional and costlier repair work, especially concerning bridges. As a priority, authorities are seeking alternative routes for traffic, including utilizing boats to supply aid to affected households while bridge repairs are pending. The cyclone has also damaged 19 electricity pylons and inundated 1,262 hectares of cultivated land.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, nine accommodation centers have been established in Nampula, with 1,985 individuals currently sheltered there. The cyclone has veered away from its anticipated path into Malawi and instead crossed Zambezia province before moving back into the Mozambique Channel. On Saturday morning, cyclone Jude made landfall in southern Madagascar, with its trajectory suggesting it will not pose additional threats to Mozambique.

Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Mozambique, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and substantial property damage. The destruction of homes, health units, and educational facilities has raised urgent humanitarian concerns. While transportation routes are gradually reopening, extensive repair needs have been identified, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by the disaster. The situation continues to evolve, and authorities are focused on providing assistance to affected populations while monitoring the cyclone’s path.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com