Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing significant destruction, displacements, and humanitarian needs. The northern region struggles with response capacity following previous cyclones. Accommodation centers and assessments are underway to aid affected populations, while there is a critical need for improved living conditions and education recovery efforts.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the southwestern Indian Ocean evolved into Tropical Cyclone Jude, which impacted Mozambique’s Nampula province on March 10. With winds reaching 195 km/h and rainfall exceeding 250 mm in 24 hours, the cyclone caused significant infrastructure damage, loss of life, injuries, and community displacements, heightening humanitarian requirements in both urban and rural areas.
The northern region’s humanitarian response capabilities are currently strained due to previous cyclones, specifically Cyclone Chido in December 2024 and Cyclone Dikeledi in January 2025. On March 8, the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CTGD) activated anticipatory actions for floods and cyclones, prompting the CCCM to respond with preparedness measures in Angoche and Mogincual.
Local authorities have activated accommodation centers in the affected districts of Nampula and Zambézia, deploying site management teams for initial assessments and coordination. CCCM and DTM teams identified 59 temporary accommodation sites across nine districts in Nampula and one in Zambézia, hosting displaced individuals. While some of these sites lack formal recognition, collaboration between the CCCM Cluster, DTM teams, and local authorities is vital for effective assistance.
Many families are currently using temporary shelters like barracks, school rooms, churches, unfinished buildings, and communal spaces as they strive to rebuild their homes. In addition to urgent needs such as food, water, and health services, there is a significant demand for improved living conditions to ensure dignity and safety for the displaced populations.
The cyclone’s aftermath underscores the necessity for coordinated responses, particularly in education, as schools have been repurposed as shelters, hindering children’s return to learning. Moving forward, enhancing living conditions, installing basic services, and involving education-focused strategies in response plans are essential to mitigate the cyclone’s long-term effects.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely affected Mozambique, leading to extensive destruction, loss of life, and displacement of communities. Currently, the humanitarian response in Northern Mozambique is under pressure due to past cyclones. Immediate efforts focus on establishing accommodation centers and improving living conditions for the affected. Continued coordination and support for educational recovery are critical in addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of impacted populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
