Flash Update on Tropical Cyclone Jude’s Impact in Mozambique as of March 14, 2025
Tropical Cyclone Jude has affected over 100,410 individuals in Mozambique. The cyclone has caused significant infrastructural damage, notably to housing and health facilities, and has triggered a cholera outbreak with 56 new cases reported. Illegal checkpoints impede humanitarian efforts, with fuel shortages impacting aid delivery. Recovery efforts are underway, but challenges remain severe across various districts.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has transitioned into a moderate tropical storm as of March 13 and has moved offshore from Mozambique, heading towards southern Madagascar. The cyclone has adversely impacted Mozambique, with 100,410 individuals reported affected and considerable infrastructural damage, including 20,241 houses reported as either damaged or destroyed. Additionally, 69 health facilities in Nampula province have sustained partial damage, with eight confirmed fatalities, including six children.
As a result of the cyclone, an alarming cholera outbreak is emerging, with Nampula reporting 56 new cases on March 14. The highest concentration of cases is in Nampula City and Larde. Meanwhile, previous hotspot Mogovolas has reported no new cholera cases over the past 24 hours. Humanitarian partners in Nampula have faced challenges, including illegal checkpoints demanding payments for road use, further complicating aid delivery to affected areas.
The cyclone has also devastated cropland, with 13,982 hectares flooded, affecting approximately 155,410 people and resulting in significant production losses that threaten food security. The National Electricity Company reported that over 272,757 individuals are without power due to considerable damage to electrical infrastructure. Despite efforts to restore electricity to some areas, many residents remain in the dark.
Road infrastructure has been severely impacted, affecting transit and supply routes throughout the impacted provinces. Notably, the R681, N104, and other key roads are not accessible due to damage. In Cabo Delgado, fuel shortages are already evident, with queues forming at stations in Pemba and limited supplies expected shortly. The humanitarian operations, including medical referrals and UNHAS flights, are at risk of disruption due to fuel shortages.
In Angoche district, significant damages have been reported that affect over 1,730 individuals, resulting in the destruction of houses, health facilities, and educational infrastructure. The mobility across districts has been impeded by collapsed bridges and illegal checkpoints. In Mecuburi district, the collapsed bridge limits transportation options and forces vulnerable families into makeshift shelters. Furthermore, in Ilha de Moçambique, many families are being supported through temporary accommodation centers as they continue to face challenges related to potable water access and flood damage.
The consequences of Tropical Cyclone Jude are unfolding severely in Mozambique, with significant damage to infrastructure, health facilities, and agricultural land supporting local livelihoods. The cyclone has exacerbated public health crises, particularly concerning cholera outbreaks. Humanitarian access remains hampered by illegal checkpoints, and the overall recovery and response efforts will require continued coordination and support to address the mounting humanitarian needs of affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
