Cyclone Jude's Devastation in Nampula: A Trail of Destruction and Displacement

By António Massipa, Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

NAMPULA, MOZAMBIQUE – Cyclone Jude hit Nampula province on 10th March 2025, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that caused widespread damage and forced many people to leave their homes. The cyclone caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes, especially on Mossuril district, where it made landfall, and Mozambique Island.

Mario, who lives on Mozambique Island, shared his experience. “My home, where my daughter took her first steps, is gone,” he said. He described a terrifying night with shaking walls and heavy rain that destroyed his house.

After the cyclone, the area was left with broken wood and flooded places, making people seek refuge in Nampula City. The journey to the city was dangerous, with flooded roads. Upon reaching a point 20km from Nampula City centre, Mario discovered that the main road was cut off by running raining waters and thus impassable. He was forced to disembark from the bus and continue on foot, navigating around the cut-off road and crossing a watercourse.

“Every step was a struggle,” Mario said, showing the difficulties faced by those fleeing the cyclone.

Cyclone Jude, which originated in the Southwest Indian Ocean Basin, rapidly intensified, bringing winds of up to 195 km/h and torrential rainfall exceeding 250mm in 24 hours. Preliminary reports indicate that 2,155 people from 380 families were affected, with one fatality and 18 injuries reported. The cyclone's powerful winds and heavy rains completely destroyed 380 homes and partially damaged 28 others, leaving countless families without shelter.   

The cyclone's impact extended beyond residential areas, severely affecting critical infrastructure. Twenty-four health facilities suffered damage, hindering access to essential medical services. The education sector also took a significant hit, with 27 schools damaged, disrupting the education of 2,266 students and the work of 158 teachers. 

Local authorities are working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to the affected communities. The focus is on providing emergency shelter, food, and medical care to those displaced by the cyclone. Efforts are also underway to restore damaged infrastructure and ensure the resumption of essential services.

Cyclone Jude's impact on Nampula serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events.