Tropical Cyclone Jude: Severe Impacts and Rising Humanitarian Needs in Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Jude has transformed into a severe storm, unleashing heavy rains and high winds across Mozambique. Over 747,000 individuals are at high risk, particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia provinces. The cyclone has intensified the ongoing cholera outbreak. Humanitarian efforts are hampered by previous cyclones and damaged infrastructure.
On 11 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified into a severe tropical storm, affecting Nampula province and causing significant rainfall of up to 100mm in 24 hours across nine provinces of Mozambique. Approximately 747,000 individuals face a high risk and 2.1 million face moderate risk due to the cyclone’s high winds and heavy rains, which may result in flash flooding particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia provinces.
The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) has issued warnings for additional torrential rains, predicting up to 200mm within 24 hours across Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. Furthermore, Nampula’s Hydrological Department has issued a flood alert for the main rivers due to the ongoing storm. In response, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework for Cyclones has been activated, leading to the rapid disbursement of funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to assist humanitarian partners before the cyclone’s landfall.
The cyclone also exacerbates a cholera outbreak declared by the Ministry of Health on 08 March in Larde, marking the fourth district in Nampula to be affected. The humanitarian response is under pressure from ongoing challenges, including the aftermath of two previous cyclones (Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025), alongside food insecurity, conflict, and political unrest.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused widespread destruction, with reported winds reaching 140 km/h, resulting in property damage and severe flooding in Nampula. The heavy rains have led to coastal erosion and affected essential infrastructure including roads and communication networks. Relief efforts are hindered by accessibility issues, as major roads and bridges have been washed away, impeding the transport of supplies from Cabo Delgado to Nampula.
The Ministry of Health has reported 27 new cholera cases within 24 hours, predominantly in Nampula and Zambezia, further complicating the humanitarian landscape. Four districts in Nampula are currently addressing cholera outbreaks, which are exacerbated by the destruction of health facilities and misinformation within the community. Measures for preparedness against potential waterborne disease outbreaks are imperative amid ongoing relocations and evacuation due to flooding.
This marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique in just three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have collectively affected approximately 684,000 individuals in the northern provinces. The region’s recovery has been significantly hindered, with only 14 percent of the targeted population receiving essential assistance in certain districts.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has emerged as a severe storm, significantly impacting multiple provinces in Mozambique, especially Nampula. High risks from flooding and cholera outbreaks combine with previous cyclone damage to strain humanitarian resources. Efforts to respond are complicated by infrastructural breakdowns and ongoing health crises, necessitating urgent attention to both immediate relief and preparedness for future outbreaks in the affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
