Tropical Cyclone Jude Causes Devastation Across Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused significant damage in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. Following its passage, reports indicate fatalities, injuries, and widespread displacement, with emergency response efforts activated across affected areas. Significant funding has been released to assist vulnerable communities, and the situation remains dire as continued adverse weather conditions are expected.

On 8 March 2025, Moderate Tropical Storm Jude impacted Madagascar, resulting in one fatality, one injury, and affecting approximately 4,100 individuals, including 3,617 who were displaced across nine temporary sites, primarily in the Maroantsetra District. The storm caused flooding in 1,300 houses, leading to 37 demolitions and 40 classrooms inundated.

Following its impact on Madagascar, Jude intensified into a Tropical Cyclone and made landfall in Mossuril District, Nampula Province, Mozambique on 10 March. Heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and perilous sea conditions are currently affecting this region. The Government of Malawi has issued a Tropical Storm Warning, expecting initial effects on 10 March, with OCHA aiding coordination for an efficient response.

Emergency response strategies are underway in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi, supported by the release of $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for Mozambique. This financial assistance follows the activation of anticipatory action thresholds for cyclone responses.

Since forming on 6 March in the Indian Ocean, Jude affected 4,100 individuals across eight districts. In Mozambique, Nampula Province continues to experience adverse weather conditions, threatening around 780,000 people. Heavy rainfall and storms are anticipated to last into the week, potentially impacting the northern regions of Mozambique and Malawi.

In Malawi, pre-emptive measures are already implemented, including the suspension of school activities and the activation of flood response protocols. This anticipates extraordinary rainfall exceeding 200 mm in southern region districts. Jude is projected to weaken while traversing near the Mozambique-Malawi border before undergoing potential intensification again.

The unfolding situation following Tropical Cyclone Jude necessitates immediate humanitarian response efforts across Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. The cyclone’s impacts emphasize the critical need for preparedness and swift action to protect vulnerable populations while reiterating the importance of strengthening disaster response frameworks in these regions. Continuous monitoring and additional resource allocation will be essential to address the aftermath effectively.

Original Source: reliefweb.int