Tropical Cyclone Jude hit Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing severe damage and displacement. The response is hampered by the consequences of prior cyclones, necessitating immediate humanitarian aid, improved living conditions, and educational support for affected families. Effective coordination among various stakeholders is critical in addressing the urgent and long-term needs of the affected populations.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the Indian Ocean developed into Tropical Cyclone Jude, impacting Mozambique. It made landfall on March 10 in Mossuril, Nampula province, unleashing winds of 195 km/h and over 250 mm of rain in 24 hours. The cyclone caused significant damage to infrastructure, loss of life, injuries, and displacement, heightening humanitarian needs in affected areas.
The humanitarian response capacities have been stretched due to the aftermath of two previous cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi. The Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management authorized anticipatory actions on March 8, prompting the CCCM’s response beginning March 9. This response included pre-positioning of essential tools and community readiness messaging to bolster disaster preparedness.
Authorities have activated accommodation centers in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Site management teams have been deployed for assessments and coordination. Assessments revealed 59 temporary accommodation facilities in nine districts within Nampula and one in Zambézia. However, many of these sites lack official recognition, necessitating improved collaboration among CCCM teams, local authorities, and disaster management agencies for effective assistance.
Some families are taking refuge as night commuters in various structures including schoolrooms and health centers while attempting to rebuild or adapt their homes. Essential services such as food, water, and sanitation are critically needed. Improving living conditions in temporary facilities is urgent, alongside raising awareness about safety issues, cholera prevention, and access to education.
The cyclone’s disruption includes schools being repurposed as shelters, hindering children’s educational return. Coordinated efforts are essential to support displaced families and recovery efforts in education. Actionable plans must integrate educational needs into responses to mitigate the cyclone’s long-term effects.
The CCCM Cluster continues to track the status of temporary accommodation facilities in collaboration with DTM and local authorities. As families evacuate these sites, unplanned deactivations are occurring, underscoring the need for dynamic response strategies.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Mozambique, exacerbating existing humanitarian challenges. Affected populations require critical assistance, including food, shelter, and health services, while living conditions need rapid improvement. Coordination among agencies is vital to efficiently manage and assist displaced families, particularly in addressing their educational needs and ensuring dignity in temporary accommodations. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of response strategies are essential as families move between transitional housing.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
