Synopsis
Tropical Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc in northern Mozambique, resulting in 14 deaths and displacing over 100,000 residents. The cyclone has caused extensive damage to homes, health facilities, and schools, prompting government mobilization for relief efforts.Key Takeaways
- 14 lives lost due to the cyclone.
- Over 100,000 residents affected.
- 20,000 houses damaged, with 7,000 completely destroyed.
- 30 health facilities and 182 classrooms impacted.
- Nine accommodation centers established for displaced families.
Maputo, March 15 (NationPress) The arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jude in northern Mozambique has resulted in 14 fatalities and impacted over 100,000 individuals across various provinces, as reported in a preliminary statement from the Mozambican government.
During a press briefing in Maputo, government representative Inocencio Impissa disclosed that most of the fatalities occurred in the provinces of Nampula and Niassa, primarily due to falling walls, lightning strikes, and drowning incidents.
The cyclone has inflicted damage on approximately 20,000 homes, with over 7,000 completely wrecked and more than 13,000 partially damaged, displacing numerous families.
In terms of health services, 30 health facilities were affected, while the education sector saw 182 classrooms in 59 schools destroyed, impacting 17,402 students and 264 educators, according to Xinhua news agency.
Road infrastructure was also significantly impacted, with six access roads destroyed, particularly in Nampula, according to the spokesperson.
Additionally, 19 electricity poles were downed, two water supply systems were damaged, and 1,262 hectares of crops were affected.
"The repercussions are severe across multiple sectors, and we are mobilizing all necessary resources to aid the affected communities," Impissa stated, highlighting that the government has set up nine accommodation centers, currently housing over 100,000 individuals in Nampula.
The Mozambican government has ramped up its efforts to assist those impacted. Support teams have been dispatched to the affected provinces, and emergency operational centers have been reactivated in various districts, according to the spokesperson.
"Our measures include information dissemination, preventive evacuations, the distribution of shelter materials and food, and enhanced awareness campaigns through community radio stations," Impissa added.
Furthermore, the government reported that emergency food supplies and essential goods have been allocated to support vulnerable communities, along with mobile brigades to spread information and weather alerts.
In Malawi, international aid organizations and the government have begun relief efforts in accessible regions. For instance, the World Food Programme distributed relief supplies to those affected in Mulanje district on Thursday.
