Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on 10 March 2025, affecting 375,214 individuals and damaging over 81,000 homes. It exacerbates existing issues in already vulnerable communities impacted by previous cyclones. Health risks, notably cholera, are on the rise. Humanitarian efforts are underway to provide shelter, food, and healthcare support to displaced populations.
Mozambique is currently facing the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jude, which made landfall on 10 March 2025 in the Nampula province, unleashing heavy rainfall and strong winds. As of 13 March, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reported that 375,214 individuals have been affected and 81,149 houses have sustained damage or complete destruction. The cyclone has resulted in severe flooding and significant infrastructure destruction in the Nampula and Zambezia provinces, worsening the vulnerabilities of communities that were already grappling with food insecurity, displacement, and inadequate access to essential services.
This cyclone season has proven particularly harsh, with Nampula and Zambezia previously impacted by Cyclones Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025, which together affected approximately 684,000 people. As Cyclone Jude progressed inland, it diminished to a severe storm over the Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete provinces, compounding the cumulative impact of consecutive cyclones and amplifying the humanitarian crisis.
In addition to concerns regarding displacement, there is a rising health threat, particularly cholera. The latest bulletin as of 14 March 2025 reported 56 cholera cases in the severely impacted Nampula province. Although no new cases were reported within the last 24 hours, there remains a significant concern for potential outbreaks stemming from contaminated water sources and overcrowding in temporary accommodation facilities.
Initial findings from a Rapid Assessment (IRA) conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) alongside the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), CCCM Cluster, and INGD, revealed over 61 temporary accommodation centers hosting displaced populations. These facilities are currently providing shelter to evacuated households, and authorities along with humanitarian organizations are actively assessing urgent needs, including food assistance, safe water provision, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services.
The situation in Mozambique due to Tropical Cyclone Jude is critical, with hundreds of thousands affected and significant infrastructural damage reported. The rising health risks, particularly cholera, require immediate attention as communities deal with the aftermath of multiple cyclone events. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to address pressing needs for shelter, food, and essential services as the nation grapples with severe climatic challenges.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
