Tropical Storm Jude: Update on Humanitarian Response and Challenges in Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Jude has made landfall in Mozambique, threatening approximately 780,000 individuals with high winds and torrential rains. Early response efforts are underway, but humanitarian resources are stretched due to prior cyclones and ongoing crises such as cholera. Severe flooding is expected, impacting multiple provinces and contributing to the overall humanitarian challenges the nation faces.
On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude struck the Mossuril district in Nampula province of Mozambique, exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h, with gusts reaching 195 km/h. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD) reported that approximately 780,000 individuals are at risk from the anticipated heavy winds and rainfall, primarily in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia. Additionally, flooding alerts have been issued for main rivers in Nampula.
The Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework for Cyclones has activated early response efforts, with funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated three days prior to landfall. However, humanitarian resources are stretched thin due to concurrent responses to Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which impacted the region in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. Moreover, funding for the overall Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal stands at a mere 0.2 percent.
As Cyclone Jude continues to affect the area, the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) forecasts heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 250 mm within a 24-hour period, accompanied by severe thunderstorms. These conditions are likely to exacerbate flooding in Nampula, Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala provinces. Initial reports suggest damage to infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and telecommunications, with INGD and IOM-DTM teams pre-deployed for rapid assessments.
Reports indicate that at least 780,468 individuals, including 508,167 in Nampula and 272,302 in Zambezia, are at a high risk due to the cyclone’s impact. The regions are already grappling with cholera outbreaks, having recorded 36 cases in Nampula and 8 in Zambezia in the past 24 hours. The cholera response is hindered by damage to health and sanitation facilities, misinformation, and community violence. Flooding may exacerbate the spread of cholera.
This is the third cyclone to strike Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have collectively affected approximately 684,000 individuals. Currently, the humanitarian response remains inadequate, assisting only 14 percent of targeted individuals in four districts, leaving many of the affected still recovering from the previous disasters.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has made a significant impact on Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The ongoing humanitarian crisis is complicated by the previous cyclones and the cholera outbreak, which continues to pose a serious risk. The situation demands immediate attention and resources to support affected communities and mitigate further health risks. Current funding levels are critically insufficient to address the needs of the population, underlining the urgent call for international support and efficient resource mobilization.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
