Mozambique’s Response to Tropical Cyclone Jude: Shelter Cluster Updates
Tropical Cyclone Jude hit Mozambique on March 10, 2025, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall, particularly in Zambezia province. Initial reports suggest fewer than 5,000 people affected, but projections indicate up to 275,000 may be impacted. The Shelter Cluster is coordinating assessments and response efforts, with deployments planned to affected areas.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the southwestern Indian Ocean evolved into Tropical Cyclone Jude, making landfall on March 10 in the Mossuril district of Nampula province. Jude produced winds gusting up to 195 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm in 24 hours. The storm weakened to a severe tropical storm and continued to impact Zambezia province, specifically the Gilé and Pebane districts, generating ongoing heavy rainfall. It is forecasted to exit the continent on March 13, with flood alerts issued for multiple provinces including Nampula and Tete.
Initial impact data released by the Mozambican government indicates that fewer than 5,000 people have reportedly been affected; however, projections suggest that between 120,000 and 275,000 individuals could ultimately be impacted by this storm. This discrepancy arises from significant information gaps in assessing the true extent of damage and the number of individuals affected.
The Shelter Cluster has taken proactive measures by mapping their capabilities, including physical presence, deployment capacity, and support actions available for immediate response. Coordination with local authorities is prioritized to facilitate effective information exchange, as partners on the ground prepare for needs assessments as soon as conditions improve. The cluster’s coordination team is set to deploy to Quelimane to aid response activities.
Additionally, the Shelter Cluster has submitted an estimate of those in need, including the target demographic and critical response activities, along with financial requirements to OCHA for the Flash Appeal update.
The situation following Tropical Cyclone Jude highlights severe discrepancies between reported and projected figures for the affected population in Mozambique. As the Shelter Cluster initiates preparedness and response measures, ongoing coordination with local authorities remains vital. Accurate assessment of the damage and continual monitoring will be crucial to address the needs of those potentially affected as the situation evolves.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
