Tropical Cyclone Jude has turned into a severe storm impacting northern Mozambique, triggering extensive rainfall and posing a significant risk of flooding and a cholera outbreak. Over 747,000 individuals are at high risk, and the humanitarian response is strained due to prior cyclones. Emergency measures have been launched, but extensive damage has obstructed relief efforts.
This article provides an update regarding Tropical Cyclone Jude, which evolved into a severe storm on 11 March 2025, impacting the Nampula province of Mozambique. The cyclone has led to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall of up to 100 mm daily across numerous provinces. A significant portion of the population, approximately 747,000, is at high risk due to predicted strong winds and flash flooding, particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia provinces.
The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) has anticipated additional torrential rains, with forecasts indicating potentially 200 mm within 24 hours, raising concerns over flooding in the area. The local Hydrological Department has issued alerts regarding possible flooding of main rivers, urging the public to take precautions. In response to the cyclone, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework was activated, allowing for rapid deployment of funds to support early action activities ahead of the storm’s landfall.
The cyclone exacerbates the existing cholera outbreak in Mozambique, particularly in Larde, where the Ministry of Health has reported significant cholera activity across four districts. Humanitarian teams face growing challenges due to overstretched resources from concurrent crises and infrastructure damage. Recent cyclones have hindered effective relief efforts as various humanitarian coordination responses are already compromised.
As TC Jude continues to affect Mozambique, its path indicates further movement across Zambezia and towards the Mozambique Channel. The cyclone has caused extensive destruction, including damage to roofs and public infrastructure. Reports confirm that relief operations are significantly hindered, with major roadways, including national highway N1, becoming impassable due to the storm’s effects. Preparatory assessments are urgently needed as access to affected areas remains limited.
The humanitarian situation remains grave, as individuals in the region grapple with recovery from prior cyclones while facing new challenges from TC Jude. Reports indicate that humanitarian efforts managed to reach only a small percentage of those in need after previous storms, emphasizing the dire need for ongoing support and coordination for affected populations.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude poses an immediate and severe threat to Mozambique, particularly affecting Nampula and surrounding provinces. With heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and an exacerbated cholera outbreak, the response efforts are critically hampered by infrastructure damage and resource limitations. Active mobilization of humanitarian actions is necessary to address the current crisis and prevent further escalation.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
