Cyclone Jude Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Mozambique

Cyclone Jude battered Mozambique on Tuesday, bringing winds of up to 120 km/h and torrential rain, causing severe flooding and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Thousands have been left homeless, and many regions remain without power as emergency services struggle to assess the full scale of the devastation.

The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology confirmed that the tropical storm made landfall in the early hours over Mossuril district in Nampula province. The cyclone’s powerful winds and relentless downpours submerged roads, destroyed homes, and uprooted trees, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Residents of Nacala, a key port city in the province, expressed shock at the storm’s intensity. “We knew a cyclone was coming, but we never expected it to be this severe,” said local resident Paulo Mbanze, whose home was severely damaged by the strong winds. Many families have sought refuge in temporary shelters after losing their homes.

Authorities are working to restore electricity and clear debris from roads, while humanitarian organizations have begun mobilizing aid efforts. The government has urged people in affected areas to remain vigilant as the risk of further flooding persists.

Mozambique, which frequently faces extreme weather events, has been increasingly vulnerable to cyclones in recent years due to climate change. Experts warn that more severe storms could hit the region in the future, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

As emergency response teams continue their work, the full impact of Cyclone Jude is still unfolding, with officials warning that recovery efforts may take weeks or even months.