Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude in Mozambique: Updates on Shelter and NFI Cluster
Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique, causing severe winds and heavy rainfall, primarily affecting Nampula and Zambezia provinces. Initial estimates indicate fewer than 5,000 affected, while projections suggest up to 275,000 may be impacted. The Shelter Cluster is mapping its response capacity and coordinating with local authorities for effective assistance.
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system emerged in the southwestern basin of the Indian Ocean, developing into Tropical Cyclone “JUDE” by March 10. The cyclone made landfall in the Mossuril district of Nampula province, bringing powerful winds reaching up to 195 km/h and intense rainfall surpassing 250 mm in a 24-hour period. The system later weakened to a severe tropical storm, traversing the northeastern region of Zambezia province, particularly affecting the Gilé and Pebane districts. As of March 12, Tropical Storm Jude persists in generating heavy rainfall and is anticipated to exit the continent towards the Mozambique Channel on March 13, with flood alerts issued for Nampula, Zambezia, Tete, Manica, and Sofala provinces.
The government has released preliminary impact data; however, significant gaps in information hinder accurate assessments of the affected population and damages to infrastructure. Initial reports suggest that fewer than 5,000 individuals have been affected, but humanitarian projections estimate that as many as 120,000 to 275,000 persons could ultimately be impacted by Tropical Storm Jude.
The Shelter Cluster has assessed its operational capacity within the affected province, which includes mapping partners who are physically present, their deployment capabilities, and stock delivery capacity for relief efforts. Coordination with local authorities is ongoing to facilitate timely exchanges of pertinent information. Additional partners in the provinces are ready to conduct needs assessments as soon as conditions permit, while the cluster coordination plans to deploy to Quelimane city to assist with various humanitarian activities. Furthermore, an estimate detailing the number of people in need, the target population, proposed response activities, and financial requirements has been filed with OCHA for the Flash Appeal update.
The emergence of Tropical Storm Jude has significantly impacted several districts in Mozambique, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. Despite preliminary figures indicating fewer than 5,000 affected individuals, projections suggest the potential for a much larger impact. The Shelter Cluster continues its preparedness efforts in coordination with local authorities to address the needs of the population affected by the storm.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
