Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique on 10 March 2025, affecting over 375,000 individuals and damaging 81,149 homes. The cyclone exacerbated vulnerabilities in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, with health risks rising, particularly cholera cases. Continued assessments and humanitarian responses are critical to mitigate the impacts and provide necessary aid.
On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique’s Nampula province, causing substantial disruptions with heavy rainfall and strong winds. As of 13 March, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) recorded that approximately 375,214 individuals were impacted, and 81,149 houses suffered damage or destruction. The adverse effects of severe flooding and infrastructure devastation are particularly felt in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, where communities are already grappling with food insecurity and limited access to essential services.
This cyclone season has been notably devastating, with Nampula and Zambezia having previously endured the impacts of Cyclones Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025, which together affected around 684,000 individuals. As Cyclone Jude progressed inland, it weakened into a severe storm affecting Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete regions, compounding the cumulative impact of multiple consecutive cyclones and escalating humanitarian needs.
Health risks have also emerged as a significant concern. As of 14 March, the cholera bulletin reported 56 cases in the severely impacted Nampula province, with no new cases emerging in the previous 24 hours. Nevertheless, fears regarding potential outbreaks persist due to polluted water supplies and overcrowded temporary shelters.
Preliminary findings from the Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA), conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with the CCCM Cluster and INGD, identified over 61 temporary accommodation facilities. These facilities are sheltering displaced households, while authorities and humanitarian organizations work to assess and address pressing needs, including food assistance, safe water provision, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely affected Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, where numerous individuals have experienced displacement and infrastructure destruction. The consecutive impact of this cyclone season raises significant humanitarian challenges, compounded by health risks such as cholera. Ongoing assessments and urgent responses by authorities and humanitarian entities are critical to address the needs of the affected populations and mitigate health threats.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
