Shelter and NFI Cluster Updates on Tropical Cyclone Jude in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on March 10, with severe winds and heavy rainfall affecting Nampula and Zambezia provinces. Initial government data shows fewer than 5,000 individuals impacted, contrasting with humanitarian estimates of up to 275,000. The Shelter Cluster is actively mapping capacity and coordinating needs assessments for timely response efforts.

On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system developed in the southwestern Indian Ocean, evolving into a tropical cyclone dubbed “JUDE.” It made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province on March 10, unleashing winds reaching 195 km/h and heavy rainfall surpassing 250 mm within a 24-hour period. After weakening into a severe tropical storm, it traversed the northeastern regions of Zambezia province, particularly impacting the Gilé and Pebane districts. As of March 12, the tropical storm continues to generate heavy rains, with an anticipated exit from the continent on March 13, prompting flood alerts in Nampula, Zambezia, Tete, Manica, and Sofala provinces.

Current governmental reports provide initial data indicating less than 5,000 individuals affected by the storm. However, significant information gaps remain, obstructing accurate assessments of those impacted and the extent of infrastructural damage. Humanitarian estimates project that between 120,000 and 275,000 individuals may ultimately be affected by Tropical Storm Jude.

The Shelter Cluster has initiated several activities, mapping existing capacities within the province. This includes identifying partners with a physical presence, their deployment capabilities, and the stock delivery capacities they can provide for response actions. Coordinated efforts are in progress with local authorities to ensure effective information sharing.

Partners with the capability to conduct needs assessments are present in the impacted provinces and stand ready to mobilize when conditions improve. The cluster coordination is also set to deploy to Quelimane to bolster ongoing activities. Furthermore, an overview of the affected population, anticipated response initiatives, and associated financial needs has been forwarded to OCHA to support the Flash Appeal update.

In summary, Tropical Storm Jude has had significant immediate impacts on the central and southern regions of Mozambique, affecting thousands and potentially leading to widespread disruption. The Shelter Cluster’s coordinated efforts aim to address the needs that arise from this disaster, though considerable gaps in reliable data persist. Continued collaboration with authorities and timely assessment will be critical in mitigating the storm’s effects on the populace.

Original Source: reliefweb.int