A tropical cyclone named Jude made landfall in Mozambique, impacting Nampula and Zambezia provinces with winds reaching 195 km/h and intense rainfall. Preliminary government data reports less than 5,000 affected individuals, while projections suggest up to 275,000 could be impacted. The Shelter Cluster is mobilizing responses and conducting needs assessments.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system formed in the southwestern basin of the Indian Ocean, evolving into a tropical cyclone named “JUDE.” It made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province on March 10, packing winds of up to 195 km/h and heavy rainfall over 250 mm within 24 hours. After weakening to a severe tropical storm, Jude affected the Gilé and Pebane districts in Zambezia province. By March 12, the storm still produced significant rainfall as it moved back towards the Mozambique Channel, with expectations of exiting the continent by March 13. Heavy rainfall has prompted flood alerts in multiple provinces, including Nampula, Zambezia, Tete, Manica, and Sofala.
Despite the government’s release of initial impact data, crucial information gaps remain, hindering accurate assessments of the affected population and damage extent. The preliminary estimates indicate that fewer than 5,000 people have been affected, whereas government and humanitarian agencies project that between 120,000 and 275,000 individuals may ultimately be impacted by Tropical Storm Jude.
The Shelter Cluster has initiated activities focusing on immediate response capabilities in the affected provinces. Collaborations with local authorities are essential to facilitate timely information exchange. Partners with operational capacity are ready to conduct needs assessments once conditions improve, while cluster coordinators will deploy to Quelimane to support various initiatives. An estimate detailing the affected population, response actions, and financial needs has already been submitted to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for inclusion in the Flash Appeal update.
In summary, Tropical Storm Jude has caused significant concerns in Mozambique, with the potential to impact up to 275,000 individuals. The Shelter Cluster is actively preparing to respond, although substantial information gaps persist regarding the storm’s true impact. Coordinated efforts with local authorities and partners aim to ensure effective assessments and timely assistance in the affected regions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
