Tropical Cyclone Jude: Severe Humanitarian Impact in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude has intensified into a severe storm affecting Mozambique’s Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia provinces, posing risks to 747,000 people with heavy rainfall leading to flooding. The cyclone coincides with a cholera outbreak, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, while past cyclones have stretched response capacities. Humanitarian efforts are critical as the situation remains dire.

Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified into a severe tropical storm on March 11, affecting multiple provinces in Mozambique, particularly Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. Heavy rainfall of up to 100mm within 24 hours has led to significant risks, with approximately 747,000 people at high risk due to high winds and flooding. The World Food Programme’s analysis highlights the urgent humanitarian situation, exacerbated by the cyclone’s impact.

The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia issued warnings for further torrential rains, predicting up to 200mm in the same provinces. Additionally, the Hydrological Department has raised flooding alerts concerning major rivers. In anticipation of potential disaster, resources from the Central Emergency Response Fund were mobilized to support early action in response to the cyclone, which struck just days ago.

Moreover, the current situation worsens due to the ongoing cholera outbreak declared on March 8 in Larde, Nampula. The humanitarian response remains critically challenged, facing complications from prior cyclones and existing crises, such as food insecurity, conflict, and political pressures.

After making landfall on March 10, Tropical Cyclone Jude caused extensive destruction in Nampula, with high winds reaching 140 km/h damaging roofs and structures. The storm has led to severe flooding and coastal erosion, further complicating relief efforts as many areas have become inaccessible due to washed-out roads and damaged bridges, hampering the delivery of aid to those in need.

Field missions intended for Nacala Porto and Ilha de Mozambique had to be called off due to travel restrictions; however, teams are on standby to assess damage in accessible locations. The Ministry of Health reported an increase in cholera cases, with challenges to control the outbreak exacerbated by prior cyclone damage and misinformation in communities, necessitating immediate preparedness measures.

This cyclone marks the third significant weather event to impact Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. This successive pattern of cyclones has left the region highly vulnerable, particularly as recovery from past impacts remains incomplete.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has markedly intensified the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, particularly affecting Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia provinces. Severe weather conditions continue to pose significant risks to millions, compounded by the ongoing cholera outbreak and previous responses to other cyclones. The coordinated humanitarian efforts and the necessity for preparedness measures are critical as the situation develops. Mozambique faces substantial challenges in recovering from these recurring disasters, necessitating continued international support and resource mobilization.

Original Source: reliefweb.int