Mozambique Tropical Storm Jude Update: Critical Humanitarian Needs Emerge

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Nampula on 10 March, with winds of 140 km/h, affecting 780,000 people at risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall. An anticipatory response was activated; however, funding is critically low amidst ongoing humanitarian crises from previous cyclones, food insecurity, and cholera outbreaks.

This update on Tropical Cyclone Jude follows previous assessments regarding the cyclone’s impact on Mozambique. The cyclone made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province on 10 March with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gusts reaching 195 km/h. An estimated 780,000 individuals are at risk in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, primarily due to high winds and torrential rainfall. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD) has warned of potential flooding hazards as alerts were issued for main rivers in Nampula.

In anticipation of the cyclone, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework was activated, allowing quick access to funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for humanitarian initiatives. However, the response efforts face significant strain due to ongoing humanitarian crises stemming from previous cyclones in late 2024 and early 2025, alongside issues related to cholera outbreaks, food insecurity, and regional conflicts. The current appeal for tropical cyclone relief stands at a mere 0.2% funding.

Cyclone Jude is expected to impact areas in Nampula until the evening of 10 March, with projected rainfall exceeding 250 mm, threatening Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala provinces with heavy flooding. Initial damage assessments indicate destruction to homes and public infrastructure, including essential services such as roadways and telecommunications. Teams from INGD and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are positioned for prompt needs assessments in accessible regions.

The cyclone has exacerbated health crises, with cholera cases reported in both Nampula and Zambezia provinces, which may result in further spread due to flooding, population displacement, and weakened healthcare facilities. This marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique in recent months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which severely affected northern provinces and previously left approximately 684,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance. The local recovery efforts have only managed to provide minimal aid, reaching only 14% of those targeted in four districts.

The situation in Mozambique due to Tropical Cyclone Jude is dire, with significant risks posed by its impact on vulnerable populations already suffering from previous cyclones and ongoing health crises. Immediate humanitarian responses are underway but are hampered by previous destructions and resource limitations. Efforts are essential to address the mounting needs of the affected populations, particularly in health and safety, to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Original Source: reliefweb.int