Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude on Mozambique: Update as of 15 March 2025
Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on 10 March 2025, causing extensive damage, with 375,214 people affected and 81,149 houses destroyed. Significant flooding was observed in Nampula and Zambezia. Health risks, especially cholera, are rising in temporary accommodations. Authorities and organizations are assessing urgent needs including food, water, and healthcare.
On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula province, leading to significant rainfall and strong winds. By 13 March, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reported that 375,214 people were affected, and 81,149 houses had been either damaged or completely destroyed. The cyclone has resulted in severe flooding and extensive infrastructure damage, particularly in the Nampula and Zambezia provinces, where communities were already facing challenges, such as food insecurity and limited access to essential services.
The cyclone season has been notably harsh, with both Nampula and Zambezia previously impacted by Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. These two earlier events affected an estimated 684,000 individuals combined. As Cyclone Jude progressed inland, it weakened to a severe storm affecting the Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete provinces, thereby compounding the humanitarian challenges faced by these regions due to consecutive cyclones.
Health risks are a growing concern amid displacement issues. As indicated by the latest cholera bulletin, Nampula province reported 56 cholera cases as of 14 March 2025. Although no new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, the risk of outbreaks remains because of contaminated water sources and the crowding in temporary accommodation facilities.
Preliminary findings from the Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA), conducted by IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) alongside the CCCM Cluster and INGD, revealed over 61 temporary accommodation facilities housing displaced individuals. These sites are currently providing shelter to evacuated households. Authorities and humanitarian organizations are focused on addressing critical needs, including food assistance, safe water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely impacted Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, with substantial humanitarian implications. The cyclone’s effects, combined with prior cyclones, have heightened the vulnerability of affected communities, leading to widespread displacement and health risks, such as cholera. Ongoing assessments and humanitarian efforts are vital to address the urgent needs of those impacted.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
