Cyclone Jude: Impact and Response in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Madagascar and Mozambique in early March 2025, causing one death and affecting over 4,100 individuals. With significant flooding and displacement reported, emergency response measures are underway in both countries. Malawi issued a Tropical Storm Warning, while $6 million in aid has been allocated to Mozambique for anticipatory action. Continued humanitarian efforts are essential due to ongoing recovery needs from previous cyclones.
On March 8, Moderate Tropical Storm Jude struck Madagascar, resulting in one fatality and over 4,100 individuals affected, primarily in the Maroantsetra District. Among those affected, 3,617 people were displaced, taking refuge in nine temporary sites. The disaster caused significant damage, with approximately 1,300 houses flooded and 37 homes destroyed, along with submerged classrooms.
By March 10, Jude intensified into a Tropical Cyclone, making landfall in Mossuril District, Nampula Province, Mozambique, where heavy rainfall and dangerous winds ensued. In response, the Government of Malawi issued a Tropical Storm Warning, with initial impacts starting on March 10. OCHA is supporting Malawi in coordinating early response and preparedness measures.
Across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, response preparations are in place. Notably, $6 million in pre-arranged funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has been allocated to Mozambique to facilitate anticipatory action in light of the cyclone’s threats.
The cyclone’s track showed it moving through several regions; after impacting Madagascar, it entered the Mozambique Channel and proceeded to Mozambique. The National Disaster Response Agency indicated approximately 780,000 people in Nampula and Zambezia Provinces are likely to be directly affected by the storm’s effects.
In Malawi, a peer-developed flood trigger was confirmed, leading to suspension of schools in potentially affected areas and preparation for an anticipated deluge exceeding 200 mm of rain. The cyclone is predicted to weaken as it approaches the Mozambique-Malawi border, potentially re-intensifying before a second landfall in Madagascar between March 13 and 14.
Emergency response measures are already active, with multiple humanitarian partners prepared to assist. OCHA and other organizations have established logistics for evacuations and rescue operations, while awareness campaigns are on the rise in high-risk districts. Aid supplies and cash assistance are positioned for immediate distribution where needed.
Madagascar faces ongoing challenges from previous cyclones, necessitating heightened readiness as Jude poses another threat. The country’s resources are strained due to successive weather events, necessitating additional support to meet the humanitarian needs effectively. Mozambique will utilize CERF funding for effective implementation of their anticipatory action framework, ensuring community needs are met promptly.
As humanitarian efforts continue, the imperative remains to bolster preparedness and response capabilities in these regions recovering from calamities. Continuous collaboration between OCHA and local governments aids in readiness against future cyclonic events, solidifying a commitment to community resilience.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Madagascar and Mozambique, leading to fatalities and mass displacements. Emergency preparedness and response measures are in operation, with substantial funding allocated to aid affected communities. As authorities work to mitigate the impact of Jude, ongoing humanitarian efforts are crucial, especially in light of recent severe weather events that have depleted local resources. Collaboration among humanitarian partners continues to be vital in ensuring effective response strategies.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
