Tropical Cyclone Jude hit Mozambique on March 10, 2025, with winds of 140 km/h, threatening 780,000 people. Preemptive measures were taken under the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework. The humanitarian response is challenged by resources stretched from prior cyclones and ongoing health crises, especially cholera, amid a critical funding shortfall.
On March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mossuril district, located in Nampula province, with maximum sustained winds reaching 140 km/h and gusts up to 195 km/h. The cyclone poses a significant risk to approximately 780,000 individuals in the Nampula and Zambezia provinces due to expected high winds and intense rainfall, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD). Furthermore, a flooding alert was issued for major rivers in Nampula by the Hydrological Department, indicating potential inundation risks.
In preparation for the cyclone, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework was activated. Funds were quickly disbursed from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to humanitarian partners, facilitating anticipatory action activities three days prior to the landfall. However, the humanitarian response is stretched as it simultaneously addresses the ongoing crises caused by Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, while dealing with cholera outbreaks, food insecurity, conflict, and political tensions. The Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal received only 0.2 percent of the required funding, complicating resource mobilization efforts.
The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) states that Cyclone Jude is set to remain over Nampula province into the evening of March 10, bringing anticipated rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours. This may lead to severe thunderstorms and potential floods in several provinces, including Nampula, Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala, as noted by the WFP ADAM flood forecast. Flood alerts along main river basins in Nampula have prompted initial localized flooding reports from Nacala and Ilha de Moçambique districts.
Initial damage assessments indicate that the cyclone has compromised houses and key public infrastructure such as roads and utility lines. INGD and IOM-DTM teams are pre-deployed in affected districts to conduct rapid needs assessments where access is available. Over 780,000 individuals are currently categorized as at high or very high risk, including 508,167 in Nampula and 272,302 in Zambezia.
In addition to the cyclone’s impacts, Nampula and Zambezia provinces are facing active cholera cases, with reports of 36 and 8 cases within the last 24 hours, respectively. The cholera outbreak is exacerbated by the destruction of health facilities from previous cyclones and ongoing community violence against health workers. Flooding and relocation efforts may contribute to the spread of cholera into new regions. Notably, Cyclone Jude is the third cyclone to strike Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which affected 684,000 individuals across northern provinces, underscoring the need for continued humanitarian support.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely impacted Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, putting around 780,000 individuals at risk from high winds and flooding. The humanitarian response faces significant challenges due to earlier cyclones and ongoing health crises, particularly cholera. The situation remains critical, necessitating further funding and resources for effective disaster management and response efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
