Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude on Mozambique: CCCM Situation Report No. 1

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing significant infrastructure damage, displacements, and injuries. The humanitarian response is challenged by previous cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Accommodation has been activated, but many facilities lack formal recognition. Families are in temporary shelters, requiring immediate support for basic needs and education recovery. CCCM is actively coordinating efforts to manage and assist affected populations.

On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the southwestern Indian Ocean developed into Tropical Cyclone Jude, which made landfall on March 10 in Mossuril, Nampula. The cyclone brought winds reaching 195 km/h and over 250 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, leading to significant infrastructure damage, loss of life, injuries, and the displacement of communities in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia provinces, exacerbating existing humanitarian needs.

Humanitarian response capacities in northern Mozambique are currently overwhelmed due to the repercussions of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which impacted the region in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. Following the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management’s activation of anticipatory actions on March 8, the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) response commenced on March 9 in Angoche and Mogincual, focusing on pre-positioning tools and engaging communities and disaster committees.

As a result of the cyclone, local authorities have activated accommodation centers in certain districts of Nampula and Zambézia, with site management teams deployed to assess initial needs. Preliminary assessments by the CCCM and DTM identified 59 temporary facilities in nine districts of Nampula and one facility in Zambézia, albeit with most sites not yet formally recognized. There is a pressing need for coordinated efforts to ensure proper mapping, classification, and assistance.

Many families have resorted to night commuting, taking refuge in makeshift shelters such as barracks, schools, and neighbors’ homes while attempting to rebuild their lives. There is an urgent requirement for food, water, shelter, health services, sanitation, hygiene, education, and nutrition to improve conditions for those affected, particularly in temporary facilities.

Efforts must focus on enhancing living environments, improving coordination, and establishing services such as handwashing stations and communal toilets to expedite aid delivery. Damage to schools has delayed children’s education recovery, necessitating a concerted approach to support displaced families and integrate educational needs into relief plans. The CCCM Cluster continues to update the list of temporary accommodation facilities, but the situation remains fluid as families either leave or relocate under challenging circumstances.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Mozambique, leading to urgent humanitarian needs across Nampula and Zambézia provinces. With the heightened demands on response capacities following previous cyclones, it is imperative that all stakeholders coordinate effectively to address the challenges faced by displaced communities. Improving living conditions and ensuring children’s access to education are key priorities moving forward.

Original Source: reliefweb.int