Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique on March 10, bringing winds up to 195 km/h and threatening 780,000 people. A rapid humanitarian response was initiated, but resources are limited due to prior cyclones and ongoing crises. Cholera cases are rising amidst flooding risks, complicating recovery efforts.
On March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gusts reaching 195 km/h. This severe weather poses a significant threat to approximately 780,000 individuals in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia, as per the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD). Additionally, the Hydrological Department has issued flood alerts for several main rivers in the region due to the anticipated torrential rains.
In preparation for the cyclone, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework was activated, facilitating the rapid disbursement of funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for humanitarian activities. However, response capacities are severely challenged due to previous cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which struck in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. Current humanitarian efforts face resource mobilization difficulties amid declining funding, as evidenced by the meager 0.2 percent funding of the Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal.
Meteorological data indicates that Cyclone Jude will persist in Nampula province until the evening of March 10. Heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and severe thunderstorms are expected, potentially leading to flooding in multiple provinces, including Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala. Initial reports suggest damage to houses, roads, and communication infrastructures, prompting pre-deployed INGD and IOM-DTM teams to prepare for swift needs assessments in accessible areas.
Approximately 780,468 individuals are at heightened risk along the cyclone’s path, including 508,167 in Nampula and 272,302 in Zambezia. The provinces are concurrently grappling with cholera outbreaks, with 36 cases reported in Nampula and 8 in Zambezia in the last 24 hours. The cholera situation is exacerbated by the destruction of vital health and sanitation facilities from previous cyclones, misinformation, and community violence directed at health workers, which hampers effective response efforts.
Tropical Storm Jude marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which collectively caused extensive destruction affecting approximately 684,000 individuals. The humanitarian response has only managed to assist 14 percent of targeted individuals in the Nampula area, leaving many still vulnerable and in need of aid from recent disasters.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has brought severe weather conditions to Mozambique, particularly impacting Nampula and Zambezia provinces. With a considerable number of individuals at risk, the humanitarian response is strained from previous cyclones and ongoing health crises. As flooding and cholera outbreaks loom amid resource challenges, the urgency for comprehensive support and relief efforts is paramount to address the needs of the affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
