Tropical Cyclone Jude: Humanitarian Impact and Response in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing severe damage and increasing humanitarian needs in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia. The CCCM Cluster activated response activities amid prior cyclones’ impacts and identified numerous temporary accommodations for displaced populations. Urgent improvements in living conditions, essential services, and educational recovery are paramount for affected communities.

On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the Indian Ocean developed into a tropical cyclone named “JUDE,” impacting Mozambique beginning March 10. With maximum winds of 195 km/h and rainfall exceeding 250mm in 24 hours, JUDE devastated areas in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia provinces, resulting in damaged infrastructure, numerous injuries, loss of life, and increased humanitarian needs in affected communities.

The humanitarian response in northern Mozambique is currently strained due to the effects of two previous cyclones, Cyclone Chido and Cyclone Dikeledi, which occurred in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. In response to the emerging crisis, the CCCM initiated its operations on March 9, following the activation of anticipatory actions by the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on March 8. Activities included pre-positioning repair tools, community engagement, and support for INGD.

Local authorities have activated accommodation centers in Nampula and Zambézia provinces, deploying site management teams for initial assessments and coordination. CCCM and DTM teams identified 59 temporary accommodation facilities in nine districts in Nampula and one in Zambézia. Despite this, many facilities are not yet officially recognized, necessitating enhanced collaboration among CCCM, CCCM/DTM teams, CLGRD, and local authorities to ensure efficient classification and assistance.

Some families are reliant on temporary accommodations such as schools, churches, and unfinished buildings while they work to reconstruct their homes or create makeshift shelters. The need for basic essentials such as food, water, shelter, health services, and sanitation remains critical. Improving living conditions is essential as many displaced individuals face dire circumstances in temporary facilities.

Efforts must enhance the dignity of living environments for the displaced. Coordination among partners needs to be strengthened with an emphasis on critical topics like fire safety, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and cholera prevention. Installing necessary services in reception areas is crucial for facilitating assistance and improving overall community conditions. The cyclone’s impact has disrupted children’s education, emphasizing the need for partners to collaboratively address both immediate and long-term educational needs in response plans.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has had devastating effects on Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia. The humanitarian response is challenged by the prior impacts of earlier cyclones, highlighting the need for coordinated actions among various stakeholders. Timely provision of essential services, improved accommodation conditions, and focused educational recovery efforts remain critical to supporting affected populations as they navigate the aftermath of the cyclone.

Original Source: reliefweb.int