Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude on Mozambique’s Humanitarian Response
Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on March 10, 2025, causing severe destruction and worsening humanitarian needs in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Response efforts are currently hindered by previous cyclones. Despite activating accommodation centers, many remain improperly classified. Families are struggling to find shelter and education has been disrupted. Immediate action is required to address basic needs and improve living conditions for affected communities.
Overview
On March 6, 2025, a low-pressure system in the Indian Ocean developed into Tropical Cyclone Jude, which made landfall on March 10 in Mozambique, specifically in the district of Mossuril, Nampula province. It brought destructive winds reaching 195 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250mm in 24 hours, impacting Cabo Delgado and Zambézia provinces. The cyclone caused significant infrastructure damage, loss of life, and increased humanitarian needs among both urban and rural communities.
Humanitarian Response
The humanitarian response in northern Mozambique is currently strained due to the aftermath of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi earlier in the season. Following the anticipated actions for potential floods and cyclones, initiated by the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on March 8, the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) response commenced in Angoche and Mogincual on March 9. CCCM readiness efforts included pre-positioning of tools, spreading awareness within communities, and liaising with disaster risk reduction groups while providing support to the National Institute of Disaster Management (INGD).
Assessment of Accommodation Centers
Local authorities have activated accommodation centers across several districts in Nampula and Zambézia provinces, deploying site management teams for needs assessments and coordination. Initial assessments by CCCM and DTM teams identified 59 temporary accommodation facilities across nine districts in Nampula and one in Zambézia. However, many of these sites are not officially recognized as accommodation centers, leading to inconsistency in how they are utilized by humanitarian partners, underscoring the need for improved cooperation among CCCM, CCCM/DTM teams, CLGRD, and local entities.
Living Conditions of Affected Families
Numerous families have become night commuters, seeking solace in temporary facilities such as schools, churches, unfinished structures, and private homes as they attempt to rebuild or adjust their living situations. In addition to immediate needs (food, water, health services, and sanitation), there exists a pressing requirement to enhance living conditions for these affected populations, focusing on dignified environments and comprehensive coordination to tackle issues like fire safety and cholera prevention.
Education Recovery and Long-term Impact
The cyclone has severely disrupted educational services by damaging or repurposing schools for shelter, delaying students’ return to education. A concerted effort is essential to aid displaced families and facilitate educational recovery, with humanitarian partners encouraged to coordinate efforts and integrate educational needs into their response strategies.
Ongoing Challenges
The CCCM Cluster continues to update the inventory of temporary accommodation facilities in conjunction with DTM and local authorities. However, the fluid situation with families vacating these sites results in both planned and unplanned deactivations, complicating the management of these facilities.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Mozambique, exacerbating existing humanitarian challenges. The urgent need for food, shelter, and health services, alongside a critical focus on improving living conditions and educational recovery, is paramount. Continuous collaboration among humanitarian partners and local authorities is essential to ensure effective responses and recovery strategies for affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
