Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on Monday, bringing strong winds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall. The storm caused severe flooding, destroyed homes, and left many people without power or shelter. It made landfall in Mossuril district, Nampula province, in the early hours of the morning.
Residents in Nacala, a coastal city in the province, were shocked by the cyclone’s intensity. Many homes collapsed, and roads became impassable due to flooding.
“This rain hasn’t stopped since 1 a.m., and they say it will continue for 24 hours,” said Isabel Namoro, a resident of Nacala. “Walls and gates have fallen, and we can’t reach the market. We are struggling to find food.”
Mozambique is still recovering from two previous cyclones, one in December and another in January. Aid agencies say resources are already stretched, making it difficult to respond to the latest disaster.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) described the situation as critical. Children are at high risk as floods increase the spread of diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, and malaria. The UN also noted that Nampula province has the highest child population in Mozambique.
“It has been raining since yesterday. Children can’t go to school or buy food,” said Sheila, another resident of Nacala. “The wind is strong, and houses are collapsing. In this area, five homes have already fallen. Our neighbours are crying; they have lost everything.”
UNICEF is working with the government to provide emergency aid, including food and essential supplies. However, humanitarian groups say more support is needed to help those affected.
As Mozambique faces yet another disaster, experts stress the need for better infrastructure and stronger disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable communities.