Tropical Cyclone Jude: Flash Update on Impact and Response in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 people, with severe impacts in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The storm caused extensive damage to infrastructure, crops, and caused displacements. Humanitarian partners are mobilizing resources for the response, while concerns about cholera outbreaks post-storm persist in Malawi and Mozambique.
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Southern Africa from March 6 to 16, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals and displacing thousands in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The storm damaged infrastructure and crops, obstructed transportation, and disrupted essential services. Humanitarian partners supported government-led responses, including search operations and resource mobilization while anticipating potential cholera outbreaks in Malawi and Mozambique due to storm aftermath.
In Madagascar, over 15,000 people were affected after Cyclone Jude made its second landfall, resulting in one fatality and displacing over 10,500 individuals into 24 temporary shelters. The storm caused serious structural damage, with 1,172 homes flooded, 1,640 partially damaged, and 1,160 completely destroyed. The education sector suffered greatly, leaving 48,000 students without classes due to damaged facilities. Several districts faced accessibility issues due to extreme weather conditions.
Malawi recorded nearly 20,650 affected individuals, with damages concentrated in the southern region. Notably, three people went missing and 4,883 were displaced across nine councils. Phalombe District had the highest impact, with 9,968 individuals affected. Heavy rains triggered by the cyclone led to substantial rainfall measurements, exacerbating the crisis.
Mozambique also experienced landfall from Cyclone Jude on March 10, leading to extensive damage, including 16 fatalities and over 302,000 people affected. The storm resulted in the destruction or damage of over 70,000 houses, along with infrastructure losses across health units, schools, and bridges. The National Disaster Response Agency reported increased flooding risk, particularly concerning the cholera outbreak declared shortly before the storm.
In response, humanitarian partners initiated support in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Mozambique. The Madagascar government evacuated the affected, providing food, water, and health services. They planned responses to meet the additional needs from the cyclone while mobilizing cash assistance for impacted families. In Malawi, cash and food aid were distributed as part of the emergency response, while temporary shelters were set up for the displaced. Extricating resources in Mozambique was challenging due to previous cyclones and ongoing health crises, necessitating enhanced coordination for aid delivery.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused significant disruptions across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, affecting over 340,000 people. The humanitarian effort is underway to assist those impacted through various means including evacuation and provision of essentials. Despite the benefits of rains for agriculture, the storm’s aftermath raises serious health concerns, particularly related to cholera outbreaks. Coordinated emergency responses are crucial to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
