Tropical Cyclone Jude: Flash Update on Southern Africa’s Humanitarian Crisis

Tropical Storm Jude affected nearly 340,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, causing significant destruction and displacing thousands. The storm heightened humanitarian concerns, including potential cholera outbreaks. Emergency response efforts are ongoing, with partners supporting affected communities by providing essential services and relief aid.

Tropical Storm Jude wrought significant devastation across Southern Africa, impacting nearly 340,000 individuals in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique from 6 to 16 March. The storm severely disrupted infrastructure, displaced thousands, and heightened concerns regarding public health, specifically an increase in cholera cases post-disaster. Humanitarian partners have mobilized to assist affected populations, conducting critical emergency response activities amidst the destruction.

The storm’s effects were distinctly felt in Madagascar, where 15,000 individuals faced adversity following Jude’s second landfall on 15 March, especially in the Atsimo Andrefana Region. The storm claimed one life and displaced over 10,000 residents across various temporary sites. The accompanying high winds exacerbated damage to buildings, leaving schools devastated and countless districts inaccessible, hindering relief efforts and comprehensive response measures.

In Malawi, approximately 20,650 individuals were affected, with some reports indicating three missing persons. The storm, which struck between 10 and 12 March, predominantly impacted southern councils. Phalombe District suffered the highest toll, challenging recovery efforts as rainfall exacerbated damages and inflicted difficulties on assistance distribution.

Mozambique was also severely impacted, with over 302,000 individuals facing consequences from Jude’s landfall on 10 March. The immense rainfall resulted in significant destruction of housing, health facilities, and essential infrastructure. Tragically, flooding further aggravated an existing cholera outbreak, intensifying the humanitarian crisis as health resources are strained and necessitate immediate intervention.

Humanitarian partners in Madagascar responded with urgency, evacuating affected individuals into temporary shelters while ensuring essential provisions such as food, water, and health services. In Malawi, the government’s outreach programs included mobilizing humanitarian entities to deliver vital assistance, including food and cash through the Red Cross.

In Mozambique, the ongoing crises due to previous cyclones strained humanitarian responses amidst the increased demand for assistance. Collaborative efforts among agencies aimed to enhance coordination and mobilize resources effectively, although preliminary assessments indicated that stock levels were critically low across affected populations, compromising relief distribution and support mechanisms.

Tropical Storm Jude has led to a substantial humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa, severely impacting Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The storm displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and public health facilities. While humanitarian partners continue to work alongside government efforts in response and recovery, the ongoing challenges highlight the urgency in addressing the vulnerabilities exacerbated by the disaster, particularly concerning public health risks such as cholera outbreaks.

Original Source: reliefweb.int