Tropical cyclone JUDE formed in early March 2025 and hit Mozambique, causing extensive damage and displacement in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Humanitarian responses are strained due to previous cyclones, pressing the need for coordinated relief efforts. Temporary accommodations are being utilized, and essential services must be improved. Addressing educational disruptions is also a critical part of recovery.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the southwestern Indian Ocean transformed into the tropical cyclone named “JUDE,” which made landfall in Mozambique on March 10 in the district of Mossuril, Nampula province. It drew attention for its strong winds reaching 195 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm in a 24-hour period. The cyclone notably damaged infrastructure, caused fatalities, and displaced many communities, escalating humanitarian needs across both urban and rural areas.
The humanitarian response in northern Mozambique is currently strained, largely due to previous cyclones, including Cyclone Chido in December 2024 and Cyclone Dikeledi in January 2025. Following the activation of anticipatory actions by the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on March 8, CCCM initiated its response on the following day in the towns of Angoche and Mogincual. Response activities included pre-positioning essential tools, disseminating information to communities, engaging disaster risk reduction committees, and aiding the National Institute of Disaster Management (INGD).
Local authorities have activated accommodation centers in certain districts of Nampula and Zambézia provinces, deploying site management teams to oversee initial needs assessments and coordination efforts. The CCCM and DTM teams identified 59 temporary accommodation facilities across nine districts in Nampula and one in Zambézia. However, many sites remain unofficially categorized as accommodation centers, necessitating better coordination among CCCM Cluster, DTM teams, and local authorities to improve classification and support for affected populations.
Families affected by the cyclone are frequently seeking shelter in temporary facilities such as barracks, classrooms, churches, and other improvised accommodations, often remaining without stable housing as they begin to rebuild. There is an urgent requirement for essential resources such as food, water, shelter, medical care, non-food supplies, sanitation, and hygiene. Additionally, improving living conditions for those in temporary accommodations is critical, involving efforts to ensure dignified environments and strengthening coordination among all response mechanisms.
The cyclone’s impact has disrupted communities by affecting educational facilities, delaying children’s return to school. To adequately address this, partners are urged to integrate educational needs into their response strategies. The CCCM Cluster will continue to update the list of temporary accommodation facilities in collaboration with DTM and local authorities, although planned and unplanned deactivations are likely as families transition from these sites due to challenging conditions.
The tropical cyclone JUDE has significantly impacted Mozambique, resulting in loss of life, infrastructure damage, and increased humanitarian needs. Adequate response efforts, including improved living conditions for displaced populations and coordination among humanitarian partners, are essential for recovery. Moreover, addressing educational needs in the aftermath is crucial for long-term community rebuilding. Regular updates and collaborative planning are necessary to effectively manage accommodation facilities and support affected families.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
