Impact of Cyclone Jude in Malawi and Mozambique: Displacement and Relief Efforts
Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage and displacement but no reported deaths. With significant infrastructure damage, relief efforts are ongoing but hindered. Medical attention is being provided to the injured, and although the cyclone’s immediate threat is over, flooding remains a concern.
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted southern Africa this week, primarily affecting Malawi and Mozambique. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities; however, significant damage has occurred, leaving many individuals homeless and without power. Relief efforts have been complicated by washed-away roads, impeding access for aid agencies.
The storm made landfall in northern Mozambique early on Sunday, subsequently moving into southern Malawi from Monday to Wednesday, with heavy rains affecting 13 districts. According to a preliminary evaluation by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs, over 11,000 individuals have been impacted, with damaged or destroyed homes and flooded crops. The cyclone has displaced over 3,000 people, who are currently residing in six evacuation camps.
While no fatalities were reported, 15 individuals were injured due to collapsing structures, including two young boys aged 5 and 8. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the disaster management department, indicated that both boys are receiving medical care at local hospitals following these incidents. Additionally, search efforts are ongoing for three missing individuals in Nsanje and Phalombe districts after their boat capsized in a flooded river.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief activities in Mozambique have faced severe obstacles due to infrastructure damage, particularly in Nampula province, where main roads and bridges have been washed away. Relief distribution from Cabo Delgado to Nampula is challenging due to the closure of the N1 national highway.
In Malawi, however, relief operations have commenced in accessible regions. For instance, the World Food Program began distributing relief items in Mulanje district, with support from the UK government. Simon Denhere, WFP’s acting country director in Malawi, noted the proactive measures taken, including the prepositioning of essential supplies and emergency equipment.
Lucy Mtilatila, director of Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, mentioned that Cyclone Jude is expected to dissipate as it moves from Malawi to Mozambique. She addressed concerns about ongoing flooding but reassured that the potential impacts from current rains would be minimal.
This incident marks the third cyclone to disrupt Mozambique in three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Notably, while Malawi was spared from Dikeledi’s impact, it did experience the effects of Chido in December.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has caused widespread damage in Malawi and Mozambique, displacing thousands without resulting in fatalities. The timely response from various aid organizations has initiated relief efforts, although challenges persist due to infrastructure damage. While the immediate threat of the cyclone has diminished, concerns regarding flooding remain pertinent. The resilience of the affected populations will be critical in the recovery process following this natural disaster.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
