Cyclone Jude has devastated Mozambique, affecting about 20,000 children’s access to education and impacting over 747,000 people. The cyclone has caused extensive infrastructure damage, raised health risks from flooding, and compounded the challenges faced by communities already impacted by previous cyclones. UNICEF is striving to assist those affected but is in need of additional resources.
Recent reports indicate that Cyclone Jude, the third cyclone to strike Mozambique in a short span, has severely impacted educational access for approximately 20,000 children by damaging schools and homes. This cyclone, which made landfall in Nampula, unleashed winds reaching 195 km/h and caused significant infrastructure damage across the northern provinces of Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia.
Estimates suggest that around 747,000 individuals, predominantly children, have been adversely affected by the cyclone’s aftermath, which includes torrential rain and flash flooding. According to UNICEF, the estimated number of children deprived of education currently stands at approximately 17,000, with projections indicating a possible rise in this figure.
The flooding induced by Cyclone Jude poses increased risks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and diarrhoea, particularly endangering the lives of children. Additionally, substantial damage to crucial roadways is hindering the distribution of essential supplies. This disaster compounds the already dire situation, as over 730,000 Mozambicans are still recovering from the effects of earlier cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, which devastated infrastructure, destroying over 150,000 homes and numerous health facilities and schools.
Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF’s Representative in Mozambique, remarked on the devastating impact of Cyclone Jude on children who have already faced adversity from previous cyclones. She emphasized that “Extreme winds and heavy rains have destroyed critical infrastructure and are depriving vulnerable children of essential services.” UNICEF is collaborating with various partners and the government to address the immediate needs of those affected, although resources are becoming increasingly strained due to the frequency of these disasters.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has inflicted significant damage on Mozambique, particularly affecting educational access for thousands of children. The cyclone has exacerbated an already challenging situation following previous disasters, highlighting the urgent need for increased support and resources to aid recovery efforts and mitigate risks to public health. Efforts by UNICEF and local governments aim to address the needs of those affected, but the situation requires immediate attention to prevent further adverse impacts.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
