Tropical Cyclone Jude Hits Malawi and Mozambique, Causing Damage Without Fatalities

Cyclone Jude struck southern Africa, impacting Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage but no reported deaths. Over 11,000 people were affected, with significant displacement and infrastructure challenges hindering relief efforts. Aid agencies are working to support those affected, and officials indicate the storm is dissipating, alleviating the immediate threat.

Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted parts of southern Africa this week, particularly Malawi and Mozambique. While no fatalities have been reported, the cyclone caused significant damage, leaving thousands homeless and many areas without electricity. Relief efforts faced challenges due to washed-away roads, complicating access for aid agencies.

The storm made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday before moving over southern Malawi, resulting in substantial rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary report from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicated over 11,000 individuals have been affected, with damage to crops, homes, and property due to flooding. The cyclone has displaced more than 3,000 residents now staying in six evacuation camps.

Although there have been no deaths, the disaster management office reported that 15 individuals, including two young boys aged 5 and 8, were injured when buildings collapsed. Spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula provided updates on their medical conditions and rescue efforts for three missing individuals from a capsized boat in flooded rivers.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that relief operations in Mozambique were severely hindered, particularly in Nampula province, where essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges had been washed away. Access to many affected individuals was limited as the storm disrupted the N1 national highway.

In Malawi, both international aid agencies and government officials commenced relief operations in reachable areas. The World Food Program distributed emergency supplies in Mulanje district, with acting country director Simon Denhere acknowledging the support from the UK government to ensure rapid response capabilities.

According to Lucy Mtilatila, director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Cyclone Jude has moved on from Malawi to Mozambique, where it is anticipated to dissipate. She remarked on the decreasing threat level, despite continued concerns over flooding caused by ongoing rain.

Cyclone Jude marks the third cyclone to affect Mozambique within the last three months, following Cyclones Chido in December and Dikeledi in January, with Malawi experiencing significant impacts from Chido but avoiding damage from Dikeledi.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has resulted in considerable destruction in Malawi and Mozambique without any confirmed casualties. The storm displaced thousands and complicated relief efforts due to damaged infrastructure, while aid agencies strive to provide necessary support to affected populations. Despite ongoing risks from flooding, officials are optimistic as the cyclone dissipates.

Original Source: www.voanews.com