Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall on March 10, 2025, causing extensive damage in Mozambique. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing, but are strained due to previous cyclones. Accommodation centers have been activated, yet many temporary facilities lack formal recognition. Critical needs include food, shelter, sanitation, health services, and education recovery for displaced families. Collaboration among authorities is essential for effective assistance.
On March 6, 2025, the National Institute for Disaster and Risk Reduction Management reported the formation of a low-pressure system in the southwestern Indian Ocean, which developed into Tropical Cyclone Jude. The cyclone made landfall on March 10 in Mossuril, Nampula province, producing winds of up to 195 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250mm within 24 hours. This resulted in severe infrastructural damage, casualties, injuries, and the displacement of communities, exacerbating humanitarian needs across urban and rural areas.
The northern region is currently facing strains on humanitarian response capacities due to the devastation caused by prior cyclones, Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025. Following the activation of anticipatory actions by the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on March 8, the CCCM initiated a response in Angoche and Mogincual on March 9, including the pre-positioning of cleaning and repair tools, disseminating readiness messages, and supporting engagement with disaster risk reduction committees.
Following the cyclone’s impact, local authorities activated accommodation centers in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Site management teams were deployed to assist with essential assessments and coordination. Initial assessments identified 59 temporary accommodation facilities across nine districts in Nampula and one in Zambézia; however, these facilities have not been officially acknowledged as accommodation centers. Effective collaboration is necessary among the CCCM Cluster, CCCM/DTM teams, CLGRD, and local authorities for accurate mapping and support.
Many families have become night commuters, taking refuge in diverse temporary accommodations, such as barracks, classrooms, churches, and unfinished buildings, while they strive to rebuild their homes. Beyond immediate necessities such as food, water, and shelter, there is a pressing need to enhance living conditions in these facilities. This includes improving dignity, coordination mechanisms, and education recovery while addressing safety and sanitation issues. Such efforts will significantly alleviate the adverse effects of the cyclone on displaced communities.
The CCCM Cluster continuously updates the list of temporary accommodation facilities in collaboration with DTM and local authorities. However, the fluctuating conditions have resulted in planned and unplanned deactivations of these sites as families either depart or relocate due to ongoing challenges.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has inflicted significant damage across Nampula and Zambézia provinces, leading to increased humanitarian demands due to prior cyclones. The response involves activating accommodation centers, conducting assessments, and engaging with affected communities. The necessity for improved living conditions, education recovery, and effective coordination among all stakeholders is imperative for addressing the ongoing crisis and supporting displaced populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
