Southern Africa: Tropical Cyclone Jude Update and Humanitarian Response

Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused severe damage across Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi since March 8, 2025. One fatality has been reported in Madagascar, with significant displacement and destruction of infrastructure. Humanitarian responses are in progress, with $6 million allocated for Mozambique’s aid needs. Cyclone impacts are anticipated to continue, requiring vigilance and resource replenishment in the affected regions.

On March 8, 2025, Moderate Tropical Storm Jude struck Madagascar, resulting in significant damage. The storm claimed one life, injured another, and affected approximately 4,100 individuals, including 3,617 people displaced across nine temporary sites primarily in the Maroantsetra District. Additionally, over 1,300 houses suffered flooding, with 37 homes destroyed and damage incurred to 37 classrooms as well.

Following its impact on Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified and made landfall in Mossuril District, Nampula Province, Mozambique, on March 10. The region is experiencing severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and hazardous sea conditions. A Tropical Storm Warning was also issued in Malawi, anticipating potential impacts as early as March 10.

In response to the crisis, humanitarian efforts are being mobilized across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. A pre-arranged fund of USD 6 million was released from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for Mozambique after the necessary thresholds for the Anticipatory Action framework were met. Preparations and coordination among humanitarian partners are underway to address the needs following the cyclone.

The tropical system originated off Diego Garcia Island on March 6 and moved westward, affecting multiple districts in Madagascar. Approximately 780,000 people in Mozambique’s Nampula and Zambezia Provinces are likely to be impacted. Schools in Malawi have been suspended due to anticipated heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm.

As the cyclone is expected to weaken over the next few days while near the Mozambique-Malawi border, it may intensity again and reach Madagascar by March 13 or 14. Humanitarian agencies remain vigilant as Madagascar prepares for another potential landfall of Jude.

In Malawi, awareness campaigns are being amplified in high-risk districts, with logistical support being organized for evacuation, search, and rescue operations. Emergency food supplies are being pre-positioned for immediate distribution, and first aid teams are being activated for vulnerable communities. In Madagascar, efforts to address the consequences of Cyclone Dikeledi continue while anticipating further impacts from Jude.

In Mozambique, an emergency fund facilitates readiness and response activities across six coastal provinces. Humanitarian capacities are stretched due to the frequency of recent climatic events, putting pressure on resources. Additional support is essential to address the growing humanitarian needs in affected areas.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi, leading to loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property and infrastructure. Humanitarian organizations are actively coordinating responses across these nations, with particular attention to preparedness and immediate aid due to the changing circumstances. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing support is critical to address the needs of the affected populations and replenish resources as recovery efforts continue.

Original Source: reliefweb.int