Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude in Mozambique: Humanitarian Update
Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on 10 March 2025, adversely affecting 375,214 individuals and damaging 81,149 homes. Severe flooding has occurred in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, increasing vulnerability amidst food insecurity and limited services. Health risks, particularly cholera outbreaks, are rising, prompting urgent humanitarian responses to aid displaced individuals and ensure their basic needs are met.
On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula province, unleashing heavy rainfall and powerful winds. As of 13 March, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) noted that 375,214 individuals have been affected, and 81,149 homes have been either damaged or destroyed. The cyclone has caused severe flooding and extensive infrastructure damage, particularly in the already vulnerable Nampula and Zambezia provinces.
This cyclone season has proven especially harsh, with Nampula and Zambezia also enduring Tropical Cyclones Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025, which together impacted approximately 684,000 people. As Cyclone Jude progressed inland, it weakened into a severe storm over the provinces of Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete, compounding the challenges faced by communities experiencing consecutive cyclonic impacts.
In addition to displacement challenges, health risks are increasing, particularly concerning cholera. As per the latest cholera updates, there have been 56 reported cases in the heavily impacted Nampula province as of 14 March 2025. Although no new cases were reported in the preceding 24 hours, worries about potential outbreaks remain due to contaminated water supplies and overcrowded temporary shelters.
The Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA), undertaken by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in conjunction with the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), the CCCM Cluster, and INGD, has discovered over 61 temporary accommodation facilities for displaced individuals. These facilities are currently housing evacuated households, while local authorities and humanitarian organizations are actively evaluating and addressing urgently needed services, including food assistance, water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and protection measures.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude in Mozambique has been profound, with significant displacement, infrastructure damage, and health concerns arising from cholera risks. The ongoing humanitarian response is essential to address the immediate needs of those affected, especially in light of past cyclones compounding vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring and support from humanitarian organizations remain crucial for recovery and resilience building in the affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
