Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing significant infrastructure damage and displacing communities. The humanitarian response is overwhelmed due to prior cyclones. Temporary accommodation centers have been established, but require better management and coordination. Urgent needs for food, shelter, health services, and education recovery are evident. Continuous updates and collaboration among humanitarian partners are crucial for effective assistance and long-term recovery efforts.
The Tropical Cyclone Jude formed on March 6, 2025, in the Indian Ocean and made landfall on March 10 in the Nampula province, impacting areas in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia. The cyclone brought wind speeds of 195 km/h and over 250 mm of rain in 24 hours, leading to infrastructural damage, loss of life, and displacement of communities, thus escalating humanitarian needs across urban and rural areas.
Humanitarian response capacity in northern Mozambique is currently strained, primarily due to the devastation caused by previous cyclones, namely Cyclone Chido in December 2024 and Cyclone Dikeledi in January 2025. In anticipation of such events, the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management activated preparatory actions on March 8, prompting the CCCM response the following day. These preparations included the pre-positioning of essential tools and communication with local risk management committees to bolster support efforts.
Authorities have activated accommodation centers in various districts in Nampula and Zambézia, deploying site management teams for needs assessments and coordination. CCCM and DTM teams identified 59 temporary accommodation facilities across nine districts in Nampula and one in Namacurra, Zambézia. However, many of these sites are not officially recognized as accommodation centers and require enhanced collaboration among CCCM, local authorities, and DTM for effective assistance.
Numerous families are seeking refuge as night commuters in makeshift accommodations such as schoolrooms, churches, and unfinished buildings, while trying to rebuild their homes. There is an urgent requirement for food, water, shelter, healthcare, non-food items, sanitation, hygiene, education, and nutrition for affected populations. Enhancing living conditions in temporary shelters and strengthening coordination mechanisms to address hygiene and safety concerns are also critical.
The cyclone’s impact has severely hindered educational activities, with schools repurposed as shelters affecting children’s return to schooling. It is essential for partners to work collaboratively, ensuring education needs are included in disaster response strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of the cyclone. The CCCM Cluster will continue updating lists of temporary accommodation sites in partnership with local authorities as families vacate these areas under pressing conditions.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Mozambique, with increased humanitarian needs due to widespread displacement and infrastructure damage. The CCCM Cluster’s coordinated response is essential for effective management of temporary accommodation facilities and addressing urgent needs. It is imperative for local authorities and partners to enhance collaboration to improve living conditions and incorporate education-related concerns into response strategies for lasting support and recovery.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
