Update on Tropical Cyclone Jude’s Impact in Mozambique (March 2025)
Tropical Cyclone Jude evolved into a severe storm affecting Nampula province on March 11, 2025, leading to heavy rainfall and flooding, with 2.1 million people at risk. A cholera outbreak has worsened the humanitarian situation, compounded by the damage from previous cyclones. Emergency responses are underway as relief efforts face challenges due to damaged infrastructure.
On March 11, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified into a severe tropical storm while impacting the Nampula province in Mozambique. This system has resulted in rainfall up to 100mm within a 24-hour timeframe across nine provinces, presenting considerable risks of flash flooding and high winds to about 2.1 million people, particularly in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. The World Food Programme has warned that 747,000 individuals are in high-risk areas affected by these severe weather conditions.
The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM) issued a warning for anticipated torrential rains, forecasting an additional 200mm in provinces including Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia. Concurrently, the Hydrological Department has raised a flooding alert for major rivers in Nampula. In response to the imminent cyclone threat, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework has been activated, with emergency funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund allocated for necessary pre-emptive measures.
The cyclone exacerbates the existing cholera crisis, with the Ministry of Health declaring an outbreak in Larde on March 8, marking the fourth district in Nampula to be affected. Humanitarian efforts are currently stretched thin due to simultaneous responses to two preceding cyclones (Chido and Dikeledi) along with other crises, including food insecurity and conflicting political situations.
Cyclone Jude transitioned into a severe storm on March 11 and continues to produce significant rainfall across provinces such as Cabo Delgado, Gaza, and Inhambane. As of March 12, the cyclone was last reported near Malawi’s southern border, anticipated to move southeast towards the Mozambique Channel. Nampula experienced heavy damage with winds reaching 140 km/h, leading to structural damages and heavy coastal erosion.
Initial assessments from partners indicate notable damage to housing and essential infrastructure such as roads and telecommunications. Relief efforts have been severely hindered due to washed-out roads and bridges in Nampula, complicating the distribution of humanitarian aid. Plans for field assessments in districts like Nacala Porto and Ilha de Mozambique on March 11 were canceled due to blocked routes. Assessment teams are poised for action in areas they can access.
On the same day, health officials reported 27 new cholera cases, raising concerns about outbreaks due to the inability to deliver health services. Cholera remains a threat across Nampula’s four affected districts, where recovery from the previous cyclones is ongoing. Preparedness measures must be prioritized to mitigate the spread of waterborne diseases during ongoing evacuations and floods as a result of Cyclone Jude. This cyclone represents the third such disaster to impact Mozambique in a short span, stressing an already affected region still trying to recuperate from earlier disasters.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused significant weather-related impacts in Mozambique, particularly in Nampula. With severe rainfall leading to flooding, high winds, and exacerbating a cholera outbreak, the situation remains critical. Humanitarian resources are under severe pressure due to recent cyclone disasters, translating into limited recovery support for affected communities. Preparatory measures are essential as the threat of waterborne diseases looms larger amid ongoing support and emergency response efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
