Tropical Cyclone Jude: Humanitarian Crisis in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Mozambique on March 10, 2025, affecting 375,214 people and damaging 81,149 houses. It exacerbated existing vulnerabilities due to previous cyclones and raised health risks, including cholera cases. Authorities are addressing urgent needs through temporary accommodation and essential services.

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula province on March 10, 2025, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. As of March 13, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reported that 375,214 individuals have been affected, with 81,149 houses either damaged or destroyed. The cyclone has caused significant flooding and damage to infrastructure, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, aggravating challenges in communities already facing food insecurity and limited access to essential services. This cyclone season has been notably harsh; Nampula and Zambezia had previously endured Tropical Cyclones Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025, together adversely affecting approximately 684,000 people. As Cyclone Jude moved inland, it weakened to a severe storm impacting Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete provinces, compounding the humanitarian crisis caused by consecutive cyclones.

Health risks are escalating alongside displacement issues. As reported on March 14, 2025, there have been 56 cholera cases in the severely impacted Nampula province. Although there have been no new cases in the last 24 hours, fears remain regarding potential outbreaks linked to contaminated water and overcrowded temporary shelters.

Preliminary results from the Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA) conducted by IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, alongside the CCCM Cluster and INGD, have revealed that over 61 temporary accommodation facilities are hosting displaced individuals. These sites provide shelter to evacuated households, while local authorities and humanitarian agencies work diligently to evaluate and address immediate needs, such as food assistance, safe water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude’s impact on Mozambique has been devastating, affecting over 375,000 individuals and leading to considerable infrastructure damage, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The combination of severe flooding, health risks, and increasing humanitarian needs underscores the urgency for local and international assistance. The situation remains critical as authorities and organizations strive to provide essential support to affected populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int