Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Madagascar and Mozambique, causing fatalities, significant displacement, and property damage. Over 4,100 individuals were affected, with emergency measures activated in Malawi. Humanitarian partners mobilized support amid ongoing recovery efforts from previous cyclones.
Key Points
Moderate Tropical Storm Jude impacted Madagascar on March 8, resulting in one death, one injury, and affecting over 4,100 individuals. Specifically, 3,617 people were displaced across nine temporary sites in Maroantsetra District. The storm caused severe flooding, damaging over 1,300 houses and affecting 40 classrooms. Jude subsequently intensified into a Tropical Cyclone, making landfall in Mozambique on March 10, prompting emergency measures across the region.
Situation Overview
The weather system that developed on March 6 led to widespread impacts in Madagascar by March 8, destroying property and displacing numerous residents. By March 9, Tropical Storm Jude tracked westward, affecting northern Mozambique. Approximately 780,000 individuals in Nampula and Zambezia provinces are projected to face adverse effects as the cyclone approaches Malawi. As of March 10, heavy rains and strong winds were recorded in Mozambique, with warnings extending into Malawi.
Emergency Response
Humanitarian efforts are underway in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. The Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services confirmed early action triggers due to flood risk on March 9. Humanitarian clusters were activated, and emergency operations are being coordinated in Blantyre. Cash assistance and immediate food provisions have been prepared for distribution. In Madagascar, the cyclone response is compounded by the recent impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, necessitating additional resources for a potential second landfall.
In Mozambique, a pre-arranged fund of $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) was activated, supporting vulnerable communities in coastal provinces both before and after cyclone events. OCHA staff have been deployed to enhance coordination and assess needs in high-risk areas affected by flooding.
Overall, the ongoing cyclone situation poses challenges for already strained humanitarian capacities in the region, particularly in Madagascar and Malawi. Immediate resource replenishment is essential to address the needs arising from these recurrent climate events.
The passage of Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely affected Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi, leading to significant displacement, destruction, and danger for communities in these regions. Preparedness and response measures are critical as Jude continues to impact areas with ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from previous climate events. A coordinated response involving international support and local agencies is essential to mitigate the cyclone’s effects on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
