Cyclone Jude has devastated Mozambique, affecting around 20,000 children and damaging vital infrastructure. Preliminary reports indicate over 747,000 individuals, particularly children, have been impacted by flooding and high winds. UNICEF urges for support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in light of recent cyclones.
Mozambique faces a severe crisis following the impact of Cyclone Jude, which has recently ravaged the northern provinces. Initial assessments indicate that this cyclone has destroyed numerous schools and rendered approximately 20,000 children deprived of their educational rights, while over 20,000 homes have suffered damage. An estimate reveals that 747,000 people have been affected, half of whom are children, due to the cyclone’s extreme wind speeds of 195 km/h and resulting torrential rain and flooding.
The educational shutdown is alarming, with reports from UNICEF suggesting that as many as 17,000 children are currently lacking access to education, a figure that is likely to increase. UNICEF also warns that severe flooding is raising the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, critical threats to children’s health. Furthermore, the destruction of major roads is complicating the distribution of essential goods to those in need.
This disaster follows the damages inflicted by Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi earlier this year, which already left over 730,000 individuals affected, with more than 150,000 homes and numerous schools and health facilities rendered unusable. Mary Louise Eagleton, the UNICEF Representative in Mozambique, articulated the dire situation, emphasizing the compounded challenges families face from these natural disasters.
In her statement, she highlighted, “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 noted that UNICEF, in collaboration with local stakeholders, is striving to meet the urgent needs of affected populations, while simultaneously requiring additional resources due to the unprecedented frequency of such cyclones in recent months.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Mozambique, leaving thousands of children without education and exacerbating existing humanitarian issues. With millions already reeling from previous cyclones, urgent support and resources are essential to address the myriad challenges posed by this disaster. UNICEF’s urgent appeal for assistance highlights the critical need for coordinated efforts to aid vulnerable populations effectively.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
