Update on the Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude has transformed into a moderate tropical storm, now exiting Mozambique and heading towards Madagascar. The cyclone has significantly impacted Nampula, reporting over 56 new cholera cases and affecting more than 100,410 individuals, with severe damage to infrastructure and health facilities. Illegal checkpoints have hindered humanitarian access, and fuel shortages are affecting operations in Cabo Delgado.

Fast Summary:
Tropical Cyclone Jude has transformed into a moderate tropical storm, now exiting Mozambique and heading towards Madagascar. The cyclone has significantly impacted Nampula, reporting over 56 new cholera cases and affecting more than 100,410 individuals, with severe damage to infrastructure and health facilities. Illegal checkpoints have hindered humanitarian access, and fuel shortages are affecting operations in Cabo Delgado.

Article Body:
Tropical Cyclone Jude has transitioned into a moderate tropical storm and has moved out of Mozambique into the Mozambique Channel, targeting Madagascar’s southern coast. The storm, with winds reaching up to 90 km/h and gusts of 120 km/h, poses a threat with wave heights potentially reaching 8 meters.

As of March 14, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that 100,410 people have been affected by the cyclone, accompanied by 71 injuries and 8 fatalities, predominantly due to structural collapses and electrocution incidents. Damage assessments indicate that approximately 20,241 houses are either damaged or destroyed, with significant public infrastructure impacts.

The Nampula Provincial Health Directorate has documented damage to 69 healthcare facilities, primarily in Nacala Porto. Additionally, the World Food Programme’s analysis indicates approximately 13,982 hectares of crops have been flooded, directly impacting food security and livelihoods.

Humanitarian efforts in Nampula and Ilha de Moçambique are facing difficulties due to the emergence of illegal checkpoints, where local youth demand payments for passage through alternative routes. This situation complicates access for humanitarian partners, exacerbated by severe road conditions and flooding.

A cholera outbreak persists, with Nampula reporting 56 new cases on March 14. Notably, Mogovolas district has not reported any new cases within a 24-hour period. The National Electricity Company noted approximately 272,757 individuals are without power due to storm damage, although some areas have seen partial restoration of service.

Infrastructural damage was reported across various roadways, including significant routes in Nampula and Cabo Delgado. The unpassable roads have hindered the transportation of fuel, leading to long queues at fuel stations in Pemba, indicating an impending fuel shortage for humanitarian efforts.

Angoche district was particularly hard-hit, with over 1,700 individuals affected and numerous homes, health facilities, and classrooms damaged. The collapsed bridge has isolated Angoche Sede, complicating access to communication and essential services. Meanwhile, in Mecuburi district, mobility is restricted due to another bridge’s collapse, requiring payment for safe passage via illegal checkpoints.

In Ilha de Moçambique, around 400 families have taken shelter in an accommodation center due to the cyclone’s destruction. Flooded boreholes have left residents relying on transported potable water from distant sources.

Quotes:
None available.

Proof to Links:
https://www.unocha.org/

Conclusion:
Tropical Cyclone Jude has seriously impacted Mozambique, particularly in Nampula province, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, loss of lives, and a cholera outbreak. Humanitarian access is severely hampered by illegal checkpoints and damaged roadways, complicating relief efforts. Urgent attention is required to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and ensure the well-being of affected individuals.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has profoundly affected Mozambique, particularly in Nampula province, leading to severe infrastructure damage, loss of life, and a cholera outbreak. The emergence of illegal checkpoints further complicates humanitarian operations while transportation challenges threaten essential supplies. Immediate intervention is crucial to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and support the afflicted population.

Original Source: reliefweb.int