Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing significant damage, loss of life, and displacement in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. The humanitarian response is currently overstretched from previous cyclones. Local authorities activated accommodation centers, but many sites lack formal recognition. Immediate needs include food, water, sanitation, and educational support as communities work towards recovery.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the Indian Ocean developed into Tropical Cyclone Jude, making landfall in Mozambique on March 10. The cyclone hit the district of Mossuril in Nampula province, bringing winds of 195 km/h and over 250 mm of rain within 24 hours. The cyclone has significantly affected Cabo Delgado and Zambézia provinces, causing infrastructure damage, loss of life, injuries, community displacements, and increased humanitarian needs.
The northern region’s humanitarian response capacity is already under strain from previous cyclones, particularly Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in late 2024 and early 2025, respectively. In anticipation of flooding and additional cyclone impacts, the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management activated a response on March 8. Subsequently, CCCM initiated readiness activities in Angoche and Mogincual, including pre-positioning tools for cleaning and repairs, community messaging on readiness, and collaboration with disaster risk reduction committees and INGD.
Since the cyclone’s impact, local authorities have activated accommodation centers in several districts of Nampula and Zambézia. Site management teams have been deployed to conduct initial assessments and coordinate responses. Investigations show 59 temporary accommodation facilities identified in nine districts of Nampula and one in Zambézia hosting displaced individuals. However, many of these sites have not been formally recognized as accommodation centers. To ensure effective aid, better collaboration between the CCCM Cluster, and local authorities is necessary.
Many affected families are residing as night commuters in temporary facilities such as schools, churches, and unfinished buildings while attempting to rebuild their homes. There is an urgent need for basic life essentials, including food, water, shelter, health services, and sanitation. Improving living conditions in temporary accommodations is critical, with attention to fire safety, cholera prevention, and hygiene. Furthermore, communities have experienced educational interruptions, necessitating a coordinated response to support children’s return to schooling.
The CCCM Cluster continually updates the status of temporary accommodation facilities with DTM and local authorities. However, as families leave these sites, unplanned deactivations are either occurring or anticipated, often due to the challenging conditions they face.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, necessitating urgent humanitarian responses and accommodations for displaced populations. The CCCM has initiated readiness and management efforts in anticipation of needs, while local authorities have activated response facilities. Improved collaboration and support for immediate living conditions and educational disruptions are essential as communities recover from this disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
