Cyclone Jude’s Impact in Mozambique: A Grievous Toll

Cyclone Jude has left 16 dead and over 302,000 affected in Mozambique. The destruction includes thousands of homes and schools, with significant impacts on health facilities and infrastructure. Since 2019, extreme weather has caused over 1,000 deaths, illustrating Mozambique’s vulnerability to climate change.

Cyclone Jude has severely impacted Mozambique, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals and affecting over 302,000 people, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). Updated statistics indicate that two people are missing, and the total number of affected individuals has surged to 302,653, with 65,164 families impacted across several provinces, including Tete and Manica, in addition to previous areas such as Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.

The INGD further reveals significant destruction, with 70,163 houses either totally or partially destroyed, while an additional 988 homes suffered flooding. Furthermore, 134 places of worship were damaged, and 247 schools alongside 674 classrooms were affected, impacting 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Additionally, the cyclone has devastated infrastructure, including 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and 101,239 agricultural areas.

The destruction includes at least 72 health facilities and two public buildings, alongside damage to 68 vessels and eight essential supply systems. There are reports of 1,224 electrical poles overturned and 2,859 kilometers of roads affected, with 671.6 kilometers sustaining significant damage.

During this rainy season, which spans from October to April, Mozambique has already experienced assaults from Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, following impacts from cyclones between December and January. These events have affected approximately 736,000 residents, causing extensive damage to both public and private infrastructure.

From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather conditions, including cyclones and storms, led to at least 1,016 fatalities in Mozambique and affected around 4.9 million people, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Mozambique is acknowledged as one of the countries most adversely affected by global climate change, regularly facing floods and tropical cyclones while also contending with extended dry spells.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has wrought significant destruction in Mozambique, resulting in loss of life and widespread devastation. The impact extends to housing, education, health facilities, and agricultural infrastructure. The ongoing rainy season continues to pose challenges, compounding the difficulties faced by a nation already vulnerable to climatic crises.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com