Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused at least nine deaths across Mozambique and Malawi, with significant displacement and injuries reported. Mozambique confirmed six fatalities and over 9,500 displaced, while Malawi reported three deaths and 20,000 homeless. The cyclone resulted in heavy flooding and hampered relief efforts due to infrastructure destruction.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals across Mozambique and Malawi. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) in Mozambique reported that six fatalities occurred, accompanied by 20 injuries and the displacement of 9,525 people in the provinces of Nampula, Niasa, and the central region of Zambezia.
In Malawi, the cyclone is responsible for three additional fatalities and has left approximately 20,000 individuals homeless, particularly in the southern region affected by significant flooding. Chiphiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi, confirmed that the displaced population is currently being accommodated in evacuation centers.
The cyclone initially made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and subsequently progressed to southern Malawi, resulting in severe flooding from Monday to Wednesday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that efforts for relief operations are being severely obstructed by the destruction of roads and bridges due to the extensive flooding.
It is noteworthy that a similar disaster occurred in December of the previous year when Cyclone Chido impacted both countries, leading to the deaths of 73 individuals in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has inflicted significant casualties and widespread displacement in both Mozambique and Malawi. The humanitarian response is challenged by inadequate infrastructure, hindering relief efforts for affected populations. The situation is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of these regions to natural disasters, following a similar event less than a year ago.
Original Source: news.az
