Tropical Cyclone Jude: Severe Storm Impacts Mozambique and Increases Humanitarian Risks

Tropical Cyclone Jude has evolved into a severe tropical storm, affecting numerous provinces in Mozambique with heavy rains, putting millions at risk. A cholera outbreak complicates the humanitarian response, which is already strained by previous cyclones. Alerts have been issued for more rains and flooding, while humanitarian operations face significant obstacles due to damaged infrastructure.

On 11 March, Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified into a severe tropical storm while traversing Nampula province, significantly impacting the weather across northern and central Mozambique. The cyclone has resulted in rainfall amounts reaching up to 100 millimeters within 24 hours, affecting nine provinces.

Approximately 747,000 individuals are classified as being at high risk, while an additional 2.1 million face moderate risk due to high winds and torrential rain, particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. This assessment was conducted by the WFP TC Jude Emergency Impact Analysis on 11 March 2025.

The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) alerted for potential heavy rainfall of up to 200 millimeters within the next 24 hours across several provinces, including Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. Furthermore, flooding alerts have been issued by the Hydrological Department for the main rivers in Nampula.

In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework was activated, with funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) promptly allocated to humanitarian partners for immediate response efforts prior to the cyclone’s landfall.

The cyclone’s encroachment poses additional risks amid an ongoing cholera outbreak, which was declared by the Ministry of Health in Larde on 8 March, marking the fourth district affected within Nampula. Humanitarian efforts are strained, given concurrent responses to Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, as well as existing crises including cholera, food insecurity, and political unrest.

As a severe tropical storm, Tropical Cyclone Jude continues to unleash heavy rains across various provinces, with Nampula experiencing substantial destruction. Wind speeds reached up to 140 kilometers per hour during landfall on 10 March, causing property damage and contributing to coastal erosion and flooding across the region.

Field reports indicate severe damage to housing and critical infrastructure, including roads and communication lines, severely hindering relief operations. Essential routes for humanitarian access have been compromised, with main roads and bridges heavily damaged.

Contingency plans for humanitarian missions were rendered ineffective on 11 March due to road and route closures. INGD and IOM-DTM teams remain pre-deployed, prepared for assessments in accessible areas. The Ministry of Health reported 27 new cholera cases, with ongoing risks of waterborne diseases exacerbated by flooding.

Tropical Cyclone Jude marks the third cyclone impacting Mozambique within a three-month period, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi that caused extensive damage and altered the humanitarian landscape significantly. Those affected in Nampula still struggle to recover from previous impacts, highlighting the ongoing need for substantial humanitarian support.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has introduced severe challenges for Mozambique as it intensifies into a severe tropical storm. The situation is critical as millions face risks from heavy rains and potential flooding. With multiple cyclone strikes in recent months exacerbating existing humanitarian issues, timely intervention and continued support are crucial to mitigating ongoing crises such as cholera outbreaks and infrastructure damage. The activation of the Anticipatory Action Framework reflects efforts to address these challenges, yet significant humanitarian needs persist.

Original Source: reliefweb.int