Mozambique Cyclones Acute Crisis Joint Response

Mozambique was hit by three major cyclones in recent months, with the last one, Tropical Cyclone Jude (March 2025), affecting over one million people and damaging more than 225,000 homes. Many of these communities were still recovering from earlier cyclones Chido (December 2024) and Dikeledi (January 2025), which had already stretched local resources and weakened critical infrastructure. The repeated disasters have left families without shelter, food, or access to essential services, and some areas remain cut off entirely. Humanitarian teams are overwhelmed and underfunded, with only 0.2% of the emergency appeal covered. This crisis highlights the urgent need for immediate support and longer-term investment in recovery and disaster preparedness.

The Joint Response

In the aftermath of the three destructive cyclones, the Dutch Relief Alliance and its partners have come together to launch a coordinated response in some of the hardest-hit areas of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. The joint effort aims to support nearly 91,000 people with urgent relief and early recovery support. Teams are focusing their work in the most impacted districts, delivering food, clean water, shelter, and protection services. Every aspect of the response is guided by what communities need most, ensuring resources are used effectively and reach the most vulnerable families.

The activities carried out by the joint response are the following:

• Food security: Emergency food support is being provided, along with vouchers that families can use to buy essential goods. Farming families will also receive seeds, tools, and training to restart food production. Special support is planned for those relying on fishing and small-scale agriculture. These efforts will reach 15,750 people.
• Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): The response includes repairing damaged water systems, distributing water purification supplies, and building emergency toilets—especially in crowded areas where people have taken shelter. Hygiene kits with soap and other essentials are also being distributed, along with community education on preventing disease. These services will reach 83,750 people.
• Shelter: Emergency shelter kits are being provided, along with materials to help families rebuild their houses more safely. Essential household items like cooking sets, blankets, sleeping mats, and mosquito nets are also being distributed. Shelter assistance will reach 10,500 people.
• Protection: Beyond physical needs, many people—especially children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities—need protection and emotional support. Safe spaces, counseling, and help for survivors of gender-based violence are key parts of the response. Community networks are being set up to identify and assist at-risk individuals, and child protection is integrated throughout the effort. These protection services will reach 27,500 people.

The JR is planning to reach 90,950 people during this response.

Photo: CARE Mozambique