Tzu Chi's Cyclone Jude Relief Efforts in Mozambique

In the aftermath of Cyclone Jude, which brought destruction and displacement to thousands in the Island of Mozambique, through tireless volunteer efforts, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) reached 7,015 families across 12 neighborhoods, offering not only food support but also emotional and moral encouragement.

On April 10, 2025, a pivotal meeting with the local government marked a strong collaboration between authorities and humanitarian partners. The meeting reaffirmed joint commitments, including the creation of accommodation centers for 337 displaced families, distribution of hygiene kits — including to 818 families in Jembesse — and coordinated food assistance. BTCF pledged to support all 7,015 identified families with essential food items, while additional partners such as the Office of the First Lady, INGD, and World Food Program pledged to support housing and hygiene efforts.

Verification of beneficiaries was conducted across neighborhoods including Sanculo, Tocolo, Namirroto, Murromone, Entete, Suio, and others. In Sanculo alone, 2,088 families (95% of the total 2,182 families) had their data confirmed, with the remaining 94 families to be reached through local volunteer follow-ups. Vulnerability criteria such as disability, orphan status, age, and chronic illness were used to prioritize recipients. Volunteers not only confirmed beneficiary details but also prepared meals, offered spiritual support, and organized logistics.

On April 13, distribution points like Namirroto EPC, Murromone Field, Sanculo Field and Tocolo EPC were inspected and approved for use, EPC Jembesse even repurposed damaged schools to serve the communities. Each beneficiary will receive a food package consisting of 25 kg maize flour, 5 kg peanuts, 5 kg beans, and 1 kg salt — essentials to sustain them as they recover and rebuild. In total, 7015 families were identified and will be served across 12 neighborhoods such as Ampapa (433 families), Namalungo (391), Tocolo (818), Murromone (517), Quissona (432), Suio (415), and more.

BTCF's assistance to Mozambique began after the devastation of Cyclone Idai in March 2019, leading to the construction of 410 Great Love Homes in Metuchira by June 2024. This ongoing US$108 million investment, initiated since the cyclone, includes building 3,000 houses and 23 schools, highlighted by the inauguration of Mozambique's largest secondary school in February 2024, capable of accommodating over 8,000 students, demonstrating substantial long-term recovery efforts.

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 136 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, “Tzu” means compassion and “Chi” relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love and hope. For more information, visit global.tzuchi.org. For additional information and media inquiries, welcome to contact us through this form.