Tropical Cyclone Jude: Update on Impact and Humanitarian Response in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude has exited Mozambique but caused widespread destruction in Nampula, impacting over 100,000 people. The cholera outbreak has worsened, with significant damage to health facilities and housing. The humanitarian response is hindered by illegal checkpoints and fuel shortages, complicating recovery efforts in the affected regions.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has transitioned into a moderate storm and has departed Mozambique, now moving across the Mozambique Channel towards Madagascar. The cyclone has severely impacted Nampula where a cholera outbreak has been recorded with 56 new cases reported on 14 March, mainly concentrated in Nampula City and Larde district. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) noted that 100,410 individuals have been affected, with 20,241 houses damaged or destroyed.

Reports indicate that 69 health facilities have suffered partial damage in Nampula province, with the latest updates revealing a total of eight fatalities resulting from collapse, drowning, and electrocution incidents. Humanitarian partners faced challenges due to illegal checkpoints along the route from Nampula to Ilha de Moçambique, where local youth demanded fees for road use. Despite these obstacles, aid reached Angoche, a district suffering from deteriorated road conditions.

The cyclone’s effects have led to logistics issues, notably affecting fuel transport to Cabo Delgado; supply shortages have already been reported in Pemba, impacting humanitarian flights due to limited fuel availability at Pemba airport. On 14 March, assessment teams commenced evaluations across seven districts to gather data following improvements in road conditions.

As the cyclone caused significant disruption, the National Electricity Company (EDM) reported 272,757 residents in Nampula were without electricity due to extensive damage to infrastructure. While some areas have seen partial restoration of power, ongoing challenges persist with damaged roads affecting access across several provinces including Zambézia, where multiple roads remain impassable due to erosion.

In Angoche district, 1,730 residents have faced substantial infrastructure damage with 346 houses impacted, resulting in the crumbling of health facilities and educational institutions. Communication difficulties are compounded by the isolation of Angoche Sede after a critical bridge collapsed. Mecuburi district also reports impediments due to a bridge collapse, which has hindered transport options and resulted in illegal charging by local youths at makeshift checkpoints.

In Ilha de Moçambique, approximately 400 families are accommodated in a center after widespread flooding, necessitating costly water delivery amidst concerns over potable water accessibility. The scale of destruction necessitates continued humanitarian efforts to assess and address ongoing needs across the affected regions.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jude has resulted in catastrophic impacts across Mozambique, particularly in Nampula province. With significant destruction to both health facilities and housing, the ongoing cholera outbreak raises serious public health concerns. The logistical challenges, including fuel shortages and hindered access due to damaged roads and illegal checkpoints, continue to complicate humanitarian efforts. In light of these developments, coordinated support and effective response strategies are essential to aid recovery efforts and mitigate further humanitarian crises in the region.

Original Source: reliefweb.int