Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused the deaths of nine individuals across Mozambique and Malawi, with extensive displacement and significant flooding reported, hampering relief efforts.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has claimed at least nine lives across Mozambique and Malawi, as confirmed by officials on Thursday. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) in Mozambique reported that six individuals died, 20 were injured, and 9,525 were displaced in the provinces of Nampula and Niasa, as well as the central province of Zambezia. Additionally, in Malawi, three fatalities were recorded, and the cyclone rendered 20,000 people homeless in the southern region amid severe flooding.
Chiphiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi, stated that those displaced are currently being accommodated in evacuation centers. The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and subsequently traveled to southern Malawi, leading to heavy flooding from Monday to Wednesday.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported challenges in relief operations due to a lack of access caused by washed away roads and bridges. This disaster follows a previous incident in December of last year when Cyclone Chido affected both nations, resulting in the deaths of 73 individuals in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive displacement across Mozambique and Malawi. Emergency services are currently facing obstacles impeding relief efforts due to infrastructure damage. This natural disaster emphasizes the ongoing challenges these countries confront in mitigating the impacts of severe weather events.
Original Source: news.az
