Cyclone Jude struck Northern Mozambique, marking the third storm within four months. With winds reaching 140 km/h and gusts up to 195 km/h, the cyclone caused significant flooding and infrastructural damage, leading to homelessness and power outages. UNICEF has deemed the situation “very bad,” particularly for children, and is coordinating emergency aid efforts with local authorities.
Northern Mozambique experienced severe weather as Cyclone Jude struck on Monday, marking the third storm to affect the region within four months. The cyclone made landfall in the morning, unleashing winds that reached 140 km/h (87 mph), with gusts soaring to 195 km/h, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM).
The storm impacted the Mossuril district of Nampula province, leading to extensive flooding and substantial infrastructural damage. Consequently, numerous individuals have been rendered homeless and have lost power. The intensity of the cyclone caught residents in Nacala off guard, compounding existing vulnerabilities within the region.
The humanitarian situation remains precarious, with response capacities already strained due to two previous cyclones that occurred in December and January. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) described the conditions as “very bad,” particularly highlighting the heightened vulnerability of children in the area.
Increased flooding poses a significant risk for waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and malaria. The United Nations has noted that Nampula province has the highest number of children in Mozambique. To mitigate the crisis, UNICEF is collaborating with the government to provide emergency aid kits and various forms of assistance to the affected population.
In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Northern Mozambique, representing the third storm to strike the area in a short span. As the region grapples with the aftermath, the humanitarian crisis deepens, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children. Immediate responses and aid distribution are vital to addressing the needs of those affected and mitigating health risks associated with flooding.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
