Tropical Cyclone Jude evolved into a severe tropical storm on March 11, leading to significant rainfall across Mozambique and necessitating urgent humanitarian responses. Approximately 747,000 individuals are at high risk, with additional efforts needed to combat a cholera outbreak in affected regions. The cyclone follows two previous storms, further straining relief capabilities.
On March 11, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified into a severe tropical storm while traversing Nampula province in Mozambique. The cyclone has produced up to 100mm of rain over 24 hours in nine provinces, affecting northern and central regions significantly.
Approximately 747,000 individuals are at high risk, and 2.1 million are moderately at risk of severe winds and flash flooding due to Cyclone Jude, particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia, as per an analysis by the World Food Programme.
INAM issued a warning for additional rainfall, potentially exceeding 200mm in the coming 24 hours in the affected provinces. The Hydrological Department in Nampula has also alerted about the risk of flooding in major waterways.
In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework activated early response measures, with prompt fund allocations from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support humanitarian efforts before the cyclone made landfall.
The cyclone presents a severe threat to the ongoing cholera outbreak, which the Ministry of Health had already declared in Larde on March 8, the fourth district in Nampula experiencing this crisis. Existing humanitarian efforts face immense strain due to simultaneous engagements responding to previous cyclones and ongoing issues related to cholera, food insecurity, conflict, and political strife.
As Tropical Cyclone Jude transitioned into a severe tropical storm, it continued to unleash heavy rainfall across several provinces including Cabo Delgado, Gaza, and Zambezia. The cyclone is expected to drift southeast towards the Mozambique Channel by March 13. The most considerable damages have been reported in Nampula, where wind speeds reached up to 140 km/h, resulting in widespread destruction of structures and infrastructure.
Initial assessments indicate significant impacts on housing and public services, including transport and telecommunications. Relief efforts are complicated by damaged roads and washed-out bridges making access to affected regions challenging. Missions to key districts have been halted due to these accessibility issues.
On March 11, the Ministry of Health reported 27 new cholera cases, with particular incidences in Nampula and Zambezia. Cholera remains active in four districts in Nampula, where the humanitarian response is further challenged by damages from previous weather events and political tensions. Preparations against further cholera outbreaks are critical, as flooding during evacuations could spread waterborne diseases.
This event marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique in just a few months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which had already devastated the northern provinces. Many affected individuals in Nampula had not yet recovered from past disasters, and humanitarian aid has only reached a fraction of those in need.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Mozambique, particularly in Nampula province, with severe wind and rainfall leading to high risks of flooding and cholera outbreaks. Early mobilization of humanitarian aid has been initiated, yet the response is hindered by ongoing challenges from prior cyclones and current infrastructural damage. With urgent preparedness measures required to limit further disease spread, it is crucial for humanitarian efforts to continue and adapt to the evolving situation.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
