Tropical Cyclone Jude evolved into a severe tropical storm, affecting northern and central Mozambique with heavy rains, high winds, and flooding warnings. Approximately 747,000 people are at high risk, with response efforts overburdened due to recent cyclones and ongoing cholera outbreaks. Relief access is severely obstructed, calling for urgent humanitarian response measures.
On March 11, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude became a severe tropical storm as it progressed through the Nampula province. This system continues to adversely affect northern and central Mozambique, bringing rainfall amounts of up to 100 millimeters within a 24-hour period across nine provinces.
The cyclone places approximately 747,000 individuals at high risk and 2.1 million at moderate risk from severe winds and flooding particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia provinces. A report from the WFP indicates these alarming figures as of March 11.
The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) has issued warnings for anticipated torrential rains up to 200 millimeters within the next 24 hours. Furthermore, the Hydrological Department in Nampula has raised alerts regarding flooding in main rivers following the cyclone’s impact.
In response, early actions were initiated under the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework for Cyclones, enabling rapid funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to be allocated to humanitarian partners ahead of the cyclone’s arrival.
The cyclone exacerbates the ongoing cholera outbreak; on March 8, the Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Larde, marking the area as the fourth affected district in Nampula.
Humanitarian response efforts are currently overstretched due to concurrent responses required from previous cyclones (Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025) and other crises such as cholera, food insecurity, and political tensions in the region.
As Cyclone Jude approached on March 10, it began to downgrade to a severe tropical storm, yet it continues to inundate Mozambique with considerable rainfall. As of March 12, it was monitored near the southern border of Malawi and is projected to exit towards the Mozambique Channel by March 13.
Nampula province experienced the most significant damage when winds reached up to 140 kilometers per hour, resulting in roof damages and structure collapses. The prolonged rain has caused severe flooding and coastal erosion within the area.
Initial assessments reveal that Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly compromised housing, public infrastructure, and access to roads, electricity, and telecommunications. Relief operations are hampered by limited access to affected communities, as roads and bridges have been severely washed away.
Humanitarian missions intended for Nacala Porto and Ilha de Mozambique on March 11 were canceled due to blocked main roads and alternative routes. Teams pre-deployed by INGD and IOM-DTM remain on standby for damage assessments in accessible regions.
The Ministry of Health has reported a total of 27 new cholera cases, with recent data indicating a particularly troubling situation in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Four districts in Nampula are actively facing cholera, with responses hindered by subsequent structural destruction from Cyclone Dikeledi and ongoing social unrest.
TC Jude constitutes Mozambique’s third cyclone in three months, following the previously destructive Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which collectively impacted an estimated 684,000 individuals in northern provinces. Recovery efforts remain limited, as only 14 percent of targeted individuals received any life-saving assistance in four districts.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused significant damage in Mozambique, particularly in Nampula, adding to the humanitarian crisis previously heightened by other cyclones and ongoing health issues like cholera. The response capacity remains strained, with emergency preparations underway as authorities work through severe infrastructural damage to reach those in need. Continued vigilance and strategic interventions are essential to mitigate risks associated with future outbreaks of cholera and ensure access to relief for affected populations in the aftermath of the cyclone.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
