Cyclone Jude Devastates Mozambique, Causing Deaths and Widespread Damage
Cyclone Jude has caused 16 deaths and impacted over 302,000 people in Mozambique, with significant destruction of homes, schools, and infrastructure reported. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) provides alarming statistics on the devastation, amidst ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events and climate change in the country.
Cyclone Jude has tragically taken the lives of 16 individuals and affected over 302,000 people in Mozambique, according to the most recent information released by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The latest update reveals that at least two individuals remain unaccounted for, with the total number of people impacted reaching 302,653, alongside 65,164 families. This data encompasses the provinces of Tete and Manica, in addition to Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
The INGD’s report, as of the past Friday, highlights that Cyclone Jude has completely or partially destroyed 70,163 homes, with an additional 988 structures underwater. Furthermore, 134 places of worship have been affected. Schools have also suffered, with 247 schools and 674 classrooms impacted, jeopardizing the education of 91,629 students and affecting 1,182 teachers. Other infrastructure losses include 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and damage to 101,239 agricultural areas.
Moreover, the destruction extends to at least 72 health facilities and two public buildings. The cyclone has also damaged 68 vessels and disrupted eight supply systems, leading to 1,224 toppled electrical poles. The road network has suffered extensive damage, affecting 2,859 kilometers and damaging 671.6 kilometers of roads.
As Mozambique is currently experiencing its rainy season from October to April, it has faced the repercussions of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi earlier this year. The previous cyclone season, occurring between December and January, caused significant devastation primarily in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, impacting around 736,000 individuals and leading to extensive destruction of both public and private infrastructure.
From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events such as cyclones and storms have resulted in at least 1,016 fatalities in Mozambique, affecting approximately 4.9 million citizens, as per reports from the National Institute of Statistics. Mozambique is classified among those nations severely impacted by climate change, enduring regular flooding and tropical cyclones during the rainy season, along with experiencing protracted periods of drought.
In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has inflicted severe damage on Mozambique, resulting in 16 fatalities and affecting over 302,000 individuals. The devastation includes the destruction of homes, schools, health facilities, and vital infrastructure, as the country continues to grapple with the ramifications of climate change. This incident underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and restoration efforts in regions prone to natural disasters.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
