Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on March 10, 2025, affecting over 375,000 people and damaging over 81,000 homes. The storm has worsened existing crises, particularly in food security and health risks, while humanitarian organizations are responding to escalating needs. Health concerns, including cholera, have emerged, prompting urgent action.
Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula province on March 10, 2025, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds. As of March 13, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that 375,214 individuals have been affected, with 81,149 homes either damaged or destroyed. Severe flooding and substantial infrastructure damage have been noted in both the Nampula and Zambezia provinces, exacerbating the vulnerabilities faced by communities already struggling with food insecurity and limited access to essential services.
This cyclone season has been notably severe, with Nampula and Zambezia having experienced previous cyclones, Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025. Together, these events affected approximately 684,000 individuals. As Jude progressed inland, it weakened into a severe storm over the provinces of Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete, increasing the cumulative impact of consecutive cyclones and elevating humanitarian needs in the region.
Alongside efforts to address displacement, rising health risks are a concern. The latest cholera bulletin reported 56 cases in the severely affected Nampula province as of March 14, 2025. Although no new cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, there are ongoing concerns regarding potential outbreaks linked to contaminated water and overcrowded temporary accommodation facilities.
Initial findings from the Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA), carried out by IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) in partnership with the CCCM Cluster and INGD, have identified over 61 temporary accommodation sites housing displaced populations. These facilities are serving evacuated households, while authorities and humanitarian organizations actively assess and respond to urgent needs, including food assistance, safe water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The cyclone has resulted in substantial human and infrastructural losses, widening existing vulnerabilities. With the rising risk of health crises such as cholera, the situation necessitates immediate humanitarian assistance and sustained efforts to support the affected populations amidst ongoing challenges.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
