Tropical Cyclone Jude: A Rising Humanitarian Crisis in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude evolved into a severe storm on March 11, affecting multiple provinces in Mozambique with heavy rainfall and posing serious risks to millions. Alerts have been issued for further rain, and humanitarian responses are underway, although hampered by previous disasters and infrastructure damage. The cholera outbreak complicates the situation further as aid efforts face significant logistical challenges.

On March 11, Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified into a severe tropical storm while traversing Nampula province in Mozambique. Its impacts were felt across nine provinces, leading to heavy rainfall of up to 100mm within a 24-hour period. The cyclone poses a significant threat to approximately 747,000 individuals, while another 2.1 million are at moderate risk of severe environmental effects such as high winds and flash flooding in regions including Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia.

The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) released alerts for additional torrential rains, predicting up to 200mm of rainfall in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. The Hydrological Department in Nampula has also issued warnings regarding potential flooding of principal rivers. Humanitarian response initiatives have been activated through the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework, with emergency funding rapidly allocated from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to facilitate timely interventions.

The cyclone has exacerbated an ongoing cholera outbreak, declared by the Ministry of Health on March 8 in Larde, marking the fourth district affected in Nampula. The humanitarian response faces challenges due to simultaneous crises from two prior cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, as well as additional pressures from cholera outbreaks, food insecurity, and political unrest.

As of March 11, TC Jude had downgraded to a severe tropical storm but continued to unleash significant rainfall across multiple provinces including Cabo Delgado and Sofala. Wind gusts reaching 140 km/h caused substantial damage, with reports of injured infrastructure and displaced individuals due to flooding and coastal erosion. Access for relief efforts has been severely restricted as major roads and bridges sustained damage during the storm.

Coordination for humanitarian missions has faced disruptions, leading to cancellations of planned assessments in the Nacala Porto and Ilha de Mozambique districts due to blocked roads. Humanitarian teams are on standby for needs assessments in the few accessible areas. Recent Health Ministry reports indicated a rise in cholera cases, highlighting the urgent requirement for preparedness measures to prevent further outbreaks triggered by flooding and population movements.

Cyclone Jude represents the third such event to impact Mozambique within just three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which collectively affected around 684,000 individuals. Many in Nampula remain vulnerable and insufficiently supported, with only 14 percent of the targeted population receiving necessary assistance from humanitarian efforts following the previous disasters.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely impacted Mozambique, particularly Nampula province, with significant rainfall, flooding, and destruction of critical infrastructure. The cyclone exacerbates existing humanitarian challenges, including a cholera outbreak affecting multiple districts. Relief efforts face logistical hurdles due to damaged transportation networks, with aid organizations struggling to meet the needs of the affected populations. Continued attention and preparedness measures are vital to mitigate further health crises and support recovery efforts in the wake of this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int