Cyclone Jude’s Impact in Mozambique: Fourteen Lives Lost and Widespread Damage
Cyclone Jude has resulted in a confirmed death toll of 14 in Mozambique, with 60 injuries reported. The destruction includes over 7,000 homes and numerous educational and health facilities. Authorities are working on restoring critical infrastructure and providing support to displaced individuals. The cyclone is expected to move out to the Indian Ocean, reducing threats to Mozambique.
The government spokesperson, Inocencio Impissa, reported on Friday that the death toll from Cyclone Jude, which impacted northern and central Mozambique, has reached 14. Additionally, 60 individuals are confirmed injured due to the cyclone’s destruction, which primarily resulted from the collapse of poorly constructed houses, lightning strikes, and drowning. Authorities anticipate that the toll may increase as communications improve with remote areas affected by washed-out roads and bridges.
The cyclone has caused significant damage, destroying 7,041 houses and impacting an additional 13,139. Furthermore, 30 healthcare facilities and 182 classrooms in 59 schools were affected, disrupting the education of 17,401 pupils and impacting 264 teachers. While access roads in Nampula province suffered destruction, by Friday, light vehicle traffic was reportedly restored between Nampula city and the northern regions.
The main north-south highway (EN1) has experienced severe damage, particularly at the Anchilo administrative post, where a 20-meter gap now exists. As a temporary measure, the National Roads Administration constructed a diversion for light vehicle traffic, though heavy trucks remain unable to traverse this route. Minister of Transport and Logistics Joao Matlombe visited Nampula to assess the damages firsthand, estimating repair costs at 800 million meticais (approximately 12.5 million dollars). He expressed concerns over the potential need for more costly repairs if a thorough survey identifies additional required work.
Efforts are underway to establish alternative routes to facilitate traffic flow, especially where bridges have been destroyed. In areas lacking passable routes, authorities are resorting to boats to deliver aid to households in need. The cyclone also caused the destruction of 19 electricity pylons and inundated 1,262 hectares of farmland.
Currently, assessments of the cyclone’s impact are ongoing, with multi-sector teams deployed in affected districts. Nine accommodation centers in Nampula have been established to shelter those displaced by the cyclone, with nearly 1,985 individuals taking refuge there. Interestingly, Cyclone Jude did not divert westward into Malawi as initially predicted; it instead shifted towards Zambezia province before re-entering the Mozambique Channel. On Saturday, it made landfall in southern Madagascar and is expected to move into the Indian Ocean, minimizing any further threat to Mozambique.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has led to tragic loss of life and significant property damage in Mozambique, with ongoing assessments expected to reveal further impacts. Key infrastructure such as homes, schools, and health facilities have sustained considerable damage. Authorities remain focused on restoring transportation routes and providing assistance to affected communities, highlighting the resilience and responsiveness during this crisis.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
