Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude in Mozambique: Situation Report No. 1

Tropical Cyclone Jude, which made landfall in Mozambique on March 10, 2025, caused substantial damage and displacement across Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Humanitarian response efforts are strained due to prior cyclones. Urgent needs include food, shelter, and healthcare, highlighting the necessity for coordinated actions to support displaced families and improve living conditions, particularly in temporary accommodation facilities.

On March 6, 2025, the National Institute for Disaster and Risk Reduction Management reported the formation of a low-pressure system in the southwestern Indian Ocean, which developed into Tropical Cyclone Jude. This cyclone made landfall on March 10, impacting districts in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia provinces with winds reaching 195 Km/h and rainfall exceeding 250mm within 24 hours. The cyclone caused significant infrastructure damage, loss of life, injuries, community displacement, and increased humanitarian needs in both urban and rural areas.

The response capacities in Mozambique’s northern region are currently strained due to the cumulative effects of previous cyclones, specifically Cyclone Chido in December 2024 and Cyclone Dikeledi in January 2025. Following the activation of anticipatory actions for floods and cyclones by the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on March 8, the CCCM commenced its response on March 9. Essential activities included pre-positioning cleaning and repair tools and disseminating readiness messages to communities while engaging with disaster risk reduction committees to support the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD).

In reaction to the cyclone, local authorities have formally activated accommodation centers in various districts of Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Site management teams have been deployed to conduct initial needs assessments and coordinate efforts. According to assessments conducted by CCCM and DTM teams, 59 temporary accommodation facilities have been identified across nine districts in Nampula and one facility in Zambézia. However, most of these centers lack formal recognition and require enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure effective support and classifications.

Many families have resorted to night commuting, seeking shelter in temporary facilities such as schools, churches, and unfinished buildings while attempting to rebuild their homes or create makeshift shelters. The urgent needs for food, water, healthcare, and sanitation have escalated, underscoring the necessity to enhance living conditions for displaced populations. Establishing basic services, including handwashing stations and communal toilets, is crucial to alleviate waiting times for assistance and improve overall health conditions.

The cyclone has also impacted education, as schools have been converted into shelters, delaying children’s return to schooling. Coordinated efforts are vital to support displaced families and facilitate educational recovery. Partners are encouraged to include educational considerations in their response plans and to work collaboratively to address the cyclone’s long-term effects.

Furthermore, the CCCM Cluster is committed to regularly updating the list of temporary accommodation facilities and coordinating with DTM and local authorities. However, challenges persist as families continue to depart these sites, resulting in both planned and unplanned deactivations due to adverse conditions.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, displacing communities and damaging essential infrastructures. Humanitarian efforts are currently hindered by the compounded effects of previous cyclones, necessitating immediate and coordinated responses to meet the urgent needs of affected populations. Essential improvements in living conditions and education support remain critical as stakeholders work collaboratively to address the cyclone’s long-term repercussions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int