Tropical Cyclone Jude: Humanitarian Crisis in Southern Africa’s Response Efforts
Tropical Storm Jude has affected approximately 340,000 individuals in Southern Africa, causing significant damage in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Extensive humanitarian efforts are underway to address the immediate needs, with concerns regarding potential cholera outbreaks in the aftermath of the storm.
Tropical Storm Jude has adversely affected nearly 340,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique between March 6 and 16, 2025. The storm has caused widespread displacement, damage to infrastructure and crops, blocked roads, and disrupted essential services. Humanitarian partners are aiding government responses through search and rescue operations and resource mobilization. Despite the beneficial rains for agriculture, there are concerns regarding a potential increase in cholera cases in Malawi and Mozambique due to the storm’s aftermath.
The impact of Tropical Storm Jude was significant in Madagascar, with at least 15,000 individuals affected after its second landfall in the Atsimo Andrefana Region on March 15. One fatality was reported, along with 10,587 people displaced across temporary sites. The storm, which made landfall near Itampolo Municipality, brought considerable destruction, damaging over 1,000 houses and leaving thousands of students without educational access.
In Malawi, the storm affected nearly 20,650 people and displaced 4,883 individuals. Phalombe District experienced the highest number of affected residents. Furthermore, heavy rainfall led to significant water accumulation, particularly in Chiladzulu, where nearly 100 mm fell in a 24-hour period.
Mozambique also faced dire consequences as Tropical Storm Jude made landfall on March 10. Reports indicate that 302,000 individuals have been affected, with 16 confirmed fatalities. The storm destroyed or damaged 70,000 houses, schools, health units, bridges, and water systems across the affected provinces. Additionally, the Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Larde, exacerbating concerns for public health.
Humanitarian partners are actively supporting recovery efforts across these regions. In Madagascar, the government is facilitating evacuations and providing essential services. The Start Network is mobilizing funds to assist 3,300 families with multipurpose cash, while distribution of food and essential items continues. In Malawi and Mozambique, governments and partners are providing relief, cash assistance, and food in affected districts, despite low resource availability and ongoing crises.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Jude has created a pressing humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa with a vast number of displaced individuals and extensive damage reported in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Collaborative efforts from humanitarian organizations and government initiatives are crucial for addressing the immediate needs and providing relief to the affected populations while monitoring potential health threats such as cholera outbreaks.
In summary, Tropical Storm Jude has severely impacted nearly 340,000 individuals across Southern Africa, particularly affecting Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The destruction of infrastructure, displacement of populations, and potential public health threats necessitate urgent humanitarian responses. Joint efforts from governmental and humanitarian partners are vital to address the immediate crisis and offer critical support to the afflicted regions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
