Cyclone Jude has caused 14 deaths and 60 injuries in Mozambique, resulting in widespread damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with government officials assessing damage and seeking funds for repairs, while facilities have been set up for those displaced by the cyclone.
The death toll from Cyclone Jude, which impacted northern and central Mozambique, currently stands at 14, as reported by the Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa. Following the Cabinet meeting in Maputo, he stated that 60 individuals sustained injuries due to the cyclone’s effects. The fatalities primarily resulted from the collapse of poorly constructed houses, lightning strikes, and drowning incidents.
The cyclone has inflicted significant damage, with 7,041 homes destroyed and an additional 13,139 homes damaged. Moreover, 30 healthcare units and 182 classrooms across 59 schools are affected, disrupting the education of 17,401 students and impacting 264 teachers. Main access roads, particularly leading into Nampula province, have also suffered damage, although light vehicle traffic was restored between Nampula city and the northern region by Friday.
Significantly, the EN1 highway faced major disruptions at the Anchilo administrative post, where a substantial 20-meter gap emerged due to the cyclone. Authorities from the National Roads Administration (ANE) managed to construct a diversion for light vehicles; however, heavy trucks remain unable to pass. Minister of Transport and Logistics, Joao Matlombe, assessed the situation firsthand and estimated that 800 million meticais (approximately 12.5 million dollars) will be required for repairs on six key road sections.
Matlombe highlighted the importance of finding alternative routes to facilitate traffic, especially where bridges were destroyed, stating authorities are utilizing boats to supply aid to affected households. Additionally, Cyclone Jude caused damage to 19 electricity pylons and inundated 1,262 hectares of cultivated land, disrupting agricultural productivity.
As a response to the cyclone’s destruction, nine accommodation centers were established in Nampula, providing shelter for 1,985 displaced individuals by Saturday. Contrary to earlier predictions, the cyclone did not travel west towards Malawi but redirected across Zambezia province before moving into the Mozambique Channel. By Saturday morning, Cyclone Jude made landfall in southern Madagascar, with forecasts indicating it will transition into the Indian Ocean, reducing the likelihood of further threats to Mozambique.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in at least 14 fatalities and many more injuries, alongside extensive destruction of infrastructure and housing in northern and central Mozambique. Government efforts are underway to assess damage and restore services, including transportation and healthcare, with significant funding required for repairs. Humanitarian assistance is being provided to those displaced by the cyclone as it continues its path to Madagascar, lessening the immediate threat to Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
