Cyclone Jude Devastates Mozambique, Leaves 16 Dead and Over…

Cyclone Jude has caused 16 deaths and affected over 302,000 people in Mozambique, destroying homes, schools, and health units. The cyclone worsens the ongoing challenges of climate change impacts in the region, where extreme weather has historically resulted in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.

Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals in Mozambique, with the latest official update stating that more than 302,000 people have been affected. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reported that two individuals remain missing. The affected population now totals 302,653, encompassing 65,164 families across five provinces: Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, Cabo Delgado, as well as Tete and Manica.

In terms of infrastructure, Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc, destroying a total of 70,163 houses, with 988 reported as flooded. Additionally, 134 places of worship have been affected. Educational institutions are also impacted, with 247 schools and 674 classrooms damaged, thereby affecting approximately 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Moreover, the cyclone has inflicted damage on 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and 101,239 agricultural lands.

Furthermore, significant destruction has occurred in the healthcare sector, with at least 72 health units and two public buildings rendered unusable. The cyclone also damaged 68 vessels, affected eight supply systems, and caused 1,224 electrical poles to overturn. Transportation has been significantly hampered, with 2,859 kilometers of roads affected and 671.6 kilometers sustained damage.

As Mozambique is currently in its rainy season from October to April, the region has already experienced cyclones such as Chido and Dikeledi earlier this year. Between December and January of the previous year, cyclones severely impacted Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, affecting around 736,000 individuals and leading to widespread destruction. According to the National Institute of Statistics, extreme weather events from 2019 to 2023 have accounted for at least 1,016 deaths, affecting approximately 4.9 million people in Mozambique.

Mozambique remains one of the countries most severely impacted by climate change, facing recurring flooding and tropical cyclones during the rainy season, alongside severe drought periods that further exacerbate the situation.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has resulted in a tragic loss of life and significant damage across Mozambique, affecting over 302,000 people and destroying countless homes and infrastructure. The need for disaster recovery and management is critical as the country continues to face severe weather patterns associated with climate change. The ongoing impacts of such extreme weather events highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the effects of climate change in the region.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com