Tropical Storm Jude: Severe Impact and Humanitarian Challenges in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on March 10, 2025, impacting Nampula with winds of 140 km/h. Approximately 780,000 individuals are at risk of severe flooding and health crises, including cholera. Early action measures were initiated, although response capacities are strained due to previous cyclones. Only 14 percent of targeted relief has been provided so far.

On March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province, registering maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gusts reaching 195 km/h. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD) reports that approximately 780,000 individuals face a high risk due to the cyclone’s severe winds and torrential rains, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. Additionally, the Hydrological Department has issued alerts for potential flooding in major rivers.

In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, early response measures were initiated through the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework for Cyclones. Funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) were promptly allocated to humanitarian partners for preemptive action three days prior to landfall. Despite these efforts, existing humanitarian capacities are stretched as teams simultaneously respond to the aftermath of previous cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, as well as other crises like cholera outbreaks and food insecurity. Current funding for the Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal is barely at 0.2 percent.

The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) confirmed that Cyclone Jude struck Mossuril at 06:00H local time, with projections of heavy rain, potentially over 250 mm within 24 hours, coupled with severe thunderstorms. Flooding is feared across Nampula, Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala provinces. Reports indicate impacts on housing and infrastructure, with pre-deployed INGD and IOM-DTM teams ready for assessments in affected areas.

Approximately 780,468 people are at significant risk from the cyclone, including 508,167 in Nampula and 272,302 in Zambezia. The cholera outbreak remains a critical concern, with 36 new cases in Nampula and 8 in Zambezia reported in the last 24 hours. The previous destruction of health facilities due to earlier cyclones complicates the response, while misinformation and violence are hindering health efforts. Flooding may further exacerbate the cholera spread, exacerbating the crisis.

Tropical Storm Jude marks the third cyclone impacting Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. These weather events have seriously affected the northern provinces, leaving the population in need of assistance, with only 14 percent of those targeted receiving adequate life-saving aid in four districts.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude poses a severe threat to Mozambique, particularly in the Nampula and Zambezia provinces, with high winds and intense rainfall leading to significant risks for approximately 780,000 individuals. Humanitarian efforts are hindered by stretched resources due to past cyclones and ongoing public health crises, particularly cholera, which may be exacerbated by the flooding. Immediate and sustained support is crucial to address the compounded challenges facing the affected populations.

Original Source: www.unocha.org