Tropical Cyclone Jude: Impact and Humanitarian Response Update – Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Nampula on 10 March 2025, with winds reaching 140 km/h. Approximately 780,000 individuals are at risk due to high winds and rainfall. Early humanitarian responses were mobilized, but resources remain challenged by ongoing crises and limited funding. The cyclone also intensifies existing cholera risks in the region.
Overview of Tropical Cyclone Jude Impact on Mozambique
On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province, registering maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gusts up to 195 km/h. The cyclone poses a severe threat to at least 780,000 individuals in Nampula and Zambezia provinces due to potential high winds and torrential rains, as indicated by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD).
Response and Threat Levels
In anticipation of the cyclone, funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) have been allocated to support early humanitarian responses, mobilizing action three days prior to the landfall. The existing humanitarian capacity is already stretched thin due to concurrent responses to previous cyclones, cholera outbreaks, food insecurity, and ongoing political conflicts, with the Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal receiving only minimal funding.
Current Meteorological and Health Situation
The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) confirms Cyclone Jude is expected to linger over Nampula until the evening of 10 March, bringing heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and severe thunderstorms that may lead to floods in several provinces. Recent reports suggest localized flooding and assess the impact on crucial infrastructure, including roads and communication lines.
Cholera Risks Amid Cyclone Conditions
Cyclone conditions exacerbate existing cholera cases in Nampula and Zambezia, with 36 and 8 new cases reported, respectively. The cyclone’s impact on health and sanitation facilities from previous cyclones complicates response efforts, and concerns arise regarding further spread during evacuations and population displacements.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Cyclone Jude marks the third such event impacting Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido (December 2024) and Dikeledi (January 2025), which inflicted substantial damage on 684,000 people. The recovery from previous disasters remains insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for effective humanitarian support that has reached only 14 percent of targeted individuals with life-saving assistance.
In summary, Cyclone Jude’s recent landfall in Mozambique has raised significant concerns for about 780,000 individuals in vulnerable provinces. With compounded challenges from past cyclones, cholera outbreaks, and limited funding, the humanitarian sector faces immense pressure. The need for immediate and effective responses is critical to mitigate the cyclone’s impact and protect affected populations from further health crises and infrastructural damage.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
