Tropical Storm Jude impacted Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique from March 6-16, 2025. The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture, resulting in displacement and a potential spike in cholera cases. Humanitarian partners are mobilizing resources and services to assist the affected populations across all three nations.
Fast Summary
Tropical Storm Jude impacted Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique from March 6-16, 2025. The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture, resulting in displacement and a potential spike in cholera cases. Humanitarian partners are mobilizing resources and services to assist the affected populations across all three nations.
Situation Overview
Tropical Storm Jude affected approximately 340,000 people across Southern Africa, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread destruction. In Madagascar, the storm caused flooding and infrastructure damage, directly impacting 15,000 individuals and displacing over 10,000. Key regions in the storm’s path included the Grand Sud area, where 3 major cyclones previously occurred, exacerbating the situation.
The storm’s impact in Malawi led to nearly 20,650 affected individuals, with 4,883 displaced and three individuals missing. It affected nine southern councils, particularly Phalombe, which witnessed the highest reported figures.
In Mozambique, the storm caused flooding of 302,000 individuals and resulted in significant property loss, with over 70,000 homes affected. Prolonged rains raised concerns about cholera outbreaks, particularly after the Ministry of Health declared an outbreak in Larde, a district already facing challenges.
Emergency Response
Humanitarian efforts in Madagascar involved evacuating affected populations to temporary locations, providing essential services like food and health assistance. The government, along with partners, mobilized both resources and support, including cash assistance for families. The UN activated the Satellite Imagery Charter for flood analysis to assess impacts and coordinate efforts.
In Malawi, local authorities intensified awareness campaigns and mobilized assistance quickly. The government provided maize to displaced people while the Red Cross facilitated cash support to affected families. Additionally, search and rescue operations were conducted for those missing and needing help.
Mozambique’s response faced challenges due to simultaneous emergencies and low resource levels. OCHA deployed staff to improve coordination and established emergency operations focusing on vulnerable populations. The Anticipatory Action Framework for cyclones was activated ahead of the storm, allowing rapid humanitarian responses to commence as conditions worsened.
Conclusion
Tropical Cyclone Jude severely affected Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, leading to substantial humanitarian concerns and potential public health crises. The collaboration between government entities and humanitarian partners is vital for effective emergency responses, with measures in place to address immediate needs and ongoing recovery efforts. Continued vigilance is required to manage the aftermath, especially the cholera outbreak risk stemming from the storm’s devastation.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jude demonstrates the urgent need for effective humanitarian response across Southern Africa. Coordination among governments and humanitarian partners is crucial to mitigate the impact on affected populations and address emerging health risks, such as cholera. Sustained support and resources are necessary for recovery efforts in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
