Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall on 10 March 2025 in Nampula, Mozambique, with maximum winds of 140 km/h. Over 780,000 people are at risk from the cyclone’s impact, with alerts for flooding in Nampula and Zambezia. The humanitarian response is challenged by previous disasters and health crises, receiving minimal funding. The aftermath of Cyclone Jude adds to the suffering from earlier cyclones, significantly stressing recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mossuril district, Nampula province on 10 March 2025, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 140 km/h and gusts reaching up to 195 km/h. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD) reported that over 780,000 people are currently at risk due to the cyclone’s powerful winds and anticipated torrential rains, particularly affecting the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia. Additionally, the Hydrological Department of Nampula has issued flooding alerts for the main rivers in the area.
The Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework for Cyclones has been activated, facilitating a rapid disbursement of funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to humanitarian partners for pre-emptive actions prior to the cyclone’s arrival. However, existing humanitarian response capacities are strained, as efforts are concurrently addressing challenges from two earlier cyclones (Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025) and ongoing issues like cholera outbreaks, food insecurity, and political tensions. Currently, the Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal remains critically low, with only 0.2 percent of funds received.
The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) confirmed that Cyclone Jude will continue to influence weather patterns in the Nampula province into the evening of 10 March, bringing heavy rainfall projected to exceed 250 mm within 24 hours. Severe thunderstorms are also forecasted, which could lead to flooding in the provinces of Nampula, Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala. Initial field reports indicate damage to residential structures, public infrastructure, and utilities. INGD and IOM-DTM teams are prepared for rapid needs assessments once accessibility is feasible.
Approximately 780,468 individuals are classified as being at high risk along the cyclone’s path, with significant numbers in Nampula (508,167) and Zambezia (272,302) provinces. There have been reported cases of cholera, with 36 cases in Nampula and 8 in Zambezia noted in the latest updates. The cholera response is challenged by damage to health infrastructure caused by previous cyclones, misinformation, and incidents of violence against health workers. Flood conditions and population movements may exacerbate the spread of cholera into new areas.
Tropical Cyclone Jude is the third cyclone affecting Mozambique within a three-month span, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which had devastating effects in the northern provinces and impacted approximately 684,000 individuals. The residents of Nampula are still struggling to recover from the aftermath of these earlier cyclones, with humanitarian assistance only reaching about 14 percent of those targeted for life-saving support in the affected districts.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude poses a significant threat to Mozambique, particularly to Nampula and Zambezia provinces, with high risk for over 780,000 individuals. The early activation of emergency frameworks aims to mitigate damage, but existing humanitarian efforts are under severe strain. The ongoing cholera situation and the cumulative impact of recent cyclones further complicate recovery efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
