Tropical Cyclone Jude - Mar 2025

According to the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), Cyclone Jude made its landfall over the district of Mossuril in Nampula province on 10 March at 06:00H (local time), with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gustiness of up to 195 km/h.

The weather system is forecasted to linger over Nampula province until the evening of 10 March, bringing with it heavy rains – exceeding 250 mm in 24 hours – accompanied by severe thunderstorms that could trigger floods in the provinces of Nampula, Zambezia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala (WFP ADAM flood forecast). The Hydrological Department issued a flooding alert in the areas along the main river basins of Nampula, and localized flooding has been reported in Nacala and Ilha de Moçambique districts.

Initial reports from partners in the field indicate the impact of the cyclone on houses, public infrastructure including roads, electricity and telecommunication lines. INGD and IOM-DTM teams were pre-deployed in the districts and are on standby for rapid needs assessments in areas that will be accessible.

At least 780,468 people are at very high and high risk across the provinces of the cyclone’s track, among them the 508,167 people in Nampula province and 272,302 people in Zambezia province. (OCHA, 10 Mar 2025)

Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that as of 19 March, the total number of people affected stood at 390,000 people with 16 deaths. More than 88,000 houses were completely and partially destroyed. In terms of public infrastructure, 81 health units and 272 schools, 20 bridges and 43 water systems were affected. 73 kms of electricity wires have been damaged.

The affected provinces include Cabo Delgado, Inhambane, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia. The Multi Sectoral Needs Assessments (MIRA) were finalized on 17 March, across seven districts (Nacala, Nacala Velha, Meconta, Memba, Mossuril, Ilha de Mocambique, Monapo). (OCHA, 28 Mar 2025)

According to INGD, Tropical Cyclone Jude has impacted 1,020,791 people/215,753 families, the vast majority in Nampula. 526 schools/1,585 classrooms have been damaged, affecting 163,981 students. 5,325 people/1,493 households in four accommodation centres in Zambezia have not received any form of assistance. The revised Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal has been published and now stands at $197.5 million to assist 921,000 people. (OCHA, 10 Apr 2025)