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

Tropical Cyclone Jude has claimed nine lives in Mozambique and Malawi, displacing thousands and causing extensive flooding. In Mozambique, six deaths were reported, while Malawi confirmed three fatalities and significant homelessness. Relief efforts are challenged by damaged infrastructure, following a similar disaster last December involving Cyclone Chido.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the loss of at least nine lives across southern Africa, with officials confirming the fatalities. In Mozambique, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reported that the cyclone claimed six lives, injured 20 individuals, and displaced approximately 9,525 people in Nampula and Niasa provinces, as well as the central province of Zambezia.

In neighboring Malawi, the cyclone caused three fatalities and left around 20,000 people homeless in the southern region, where it triggered severe flooding. Chiphiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), indicated that those affected are currently being accommodated in evacuation centers.

The cyclone, which made landfall in northern Mozambique early Sunday, then progressed to southern Malawi, resulting in significant flooding from Monday through Wednesday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that relief efforts are facing challenges due to washed-out roads and bridges.

This natural disaster follows the impact of Cyclone Chido last December, which led to the deaths of 73 individuals in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such events.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude has led to considerable devastation in Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in nine confirmed fatalities and displacing thousands. Relief efforts are hampered by infrastructure damage, underscoring the need for effective disaster preparedness and response systems in the region. The recurring nature of such cyclones emphasizes the ongoing vulnerability of these communities to climate-related disasters.

Original Source: news.az