Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude on Mozambique: Update as of 15 March 2025

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on 10 March 2025, particularly impacting Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The cyclone has affected over 375,000 people and caused significant infrastructure damage, with rising health risks such as cholera. Preliminary assessments indicate ongoing humanitarian needs related to shelter, food, and healthcare for displaced populations.

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Nampula province, Mozambique, on 10 March 2025, resulting in significant rainfall and high winds. By 13 March, the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reported that 375,214 individuals had been impacted, with 81,149 homes either damaged or destroyed. Severe flooding and infrastructure damage has been particularly evident in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities related to food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to essential services.

The current cyclone season has been notably catastrophic, with previous occurrences of Cyclones Chido in December 2024 and Dikeledi in January 2025, affecting around 684,000 people. As Cyclone Jude progressed inland, it weakened to a severe storm over the regions of Manica, Niassa, Sofala, and Tete, compounding the humanitarian challenges posed by these consecutive weather events.

Health risks are escalating, particularly concerning cholera outbreaks. The latest cholera bulletin indicated that 56 cases have been reported in the severely impacted Nampula province as of 14 March 2025. Although no new cases have been confirmed in the preceding 24 hours, concerns remain regarding potential outbreaks stemming from contaminated water sources and overcrowded emergency accommodations.

Preliminary findings from an Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA) conducted by IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), in collaboration with the CCCM Cluster and INGD, identified over 61 temporary accommodation facilities for the displaced. These locations are providing shelter for evacuated households, as authorities and humanitarian organizations continue to evaluate and address urgent needs such as food assistance, safe water, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused extensive destruction in Mozambique, particularly affecting Nampula and Zambezia provinces. The immediate aftermath of the cyclone has led to widespread displacement, health risks including cholera, and significant infrastructure damage. The ongoing evaluation of needs and provision of humanitarian aid is essential for supporting the affected populations and addressing their urgent requirements.

Original Source: reliefweb.int