Cyclone Jude Devastates Mozambique: Over 17,000 Children Deprived of Education

Cyclone Jude has devastated Mozambique, affecting about 20,000 children’s educational access and impacting 747,000 people overall. The cyclone, bringing winds of up to 195 km/h, destroyed numerous schools and homes, exacerbating health risks from flooding. UNICEF is seeking additional resources to respond to the escalating crisis.

Recent reports indicate that Cyclone Jude, the third cyclone to impact Mozambique in a brief period, has severely disrupted educational access for approximately 17,000 children. The cyclone, which struck Nampula on March 10, resulted in significant destruction of schools and homes, estimated to total over 20,000 residences. In total, about 747,000 individuals, including a large number of children, have been affected by the strong winds and torrential rains.

With winds reaching up to 195 km/h, Cyclone Jude caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, impacting roads, healthcare facilities, and essential utilities. Compounding the crisis, severe flooding has intensified the risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and diarrhoea, which pose serious health threats to children. In addition, the destruction of major transportation routes has hindered the distribution of vital supplies to those in need.

Prior to Cyclone Jude, over 730,000 Mozambicans were already dealing with the aftermath of earlier cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, which had a similarly devastating effect on the region. These previous storms resulted in the destruction of more than 150,000 homes, 471 schools, and 100 healthcare facilities, worsening an already precarious situation for families.

Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique, described the ongoing situation: “The impact of Cyclone Jude on hundreds of thousands of children and families already affected by Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi is devastating. Extreme winds and heavy rains have destroyed critical infrastructure and are depriving vulnerable children of essential services.” She also highlighted that “UNICEF is working with partners and the government to respond” but stressed the need for “additional resources” to effectively meet the escalating demands posed by these consecutive natural disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has caused severe educational disruption for thousands of children in Mozambique, with extensive infrastructural damage contributing to a broader humanitarian crisis. The increasing risk of water-borne diseases and compounded challenges from previous cyclones have further aggravated the situation. Urgent assistance and resources are needed to address the dire needs of the affected population.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com