Tropical Cyclone Jude: Impact and Humanitarian Response in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, causing significant damage and displacement. Humanitarian efforts are underway to provide relief and support recovery, but ongoing challenges remain due to infrastructural damage and health risks.

Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Southern Africa from March 6 to 16, 2025, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals and displacing thousands across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The storm caused significant destruction, damaging infrastructure and crops, blocking roads, and disrupting essential services. Humanitarian partners have joined government-led initiatives, engaging in rescue operations, activating emergency response centers, and mobilizing vital resources to assist those affected.

In Madagascar, approximately 15,000 individuals were affected after Jude’s second landfall on March 15, resulting in one death and displacing over 10,500 people. The storm caused extensive damage in the southern regions, particularly in Grand Sud, where many towns are structurally vulnerable. An unprecedented occurrence, Jude resulted in the flooding of 1,172 houses, the partial destruction of 1,640 homes, and the complete destruction of 1,160 residences. Educational facilities suffered significantly, leaving 48,000 students out of school.

In Malawi, nearly 20,650 individuals were affected with three reported missing as Cyclone Jude struck from March 10 to 12, particularly impacting the southern regions. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs noted that multiple districts experienced heavy rainfall, further complicating recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Mozambique faced unprecedented challenges as Jude made landfall on March 10, affecting 302,000 people and leading to 16 fatalities. The storm caused extensive infrastructural damage, severely impacting housing, health facilities, schools, and water systems.

Humanitarian partners actively support response efforts across all three nations. In Madagascar, the government has organized evacuations and provided immediate food, water, and health services. Initiatives such as cash assistance efforts mobilized by the Start Network aim to support families significantly impacted by the storm. In Malawi, awareness and relief efforts are ongoing, with humanitarian partners supporting displaced individuals with necessary supplies. Contrastingly, Mozambique’s humanitarian response faced challenges due to previous cyclone impacts and ongoing crises, necessitating support for effective coordination and distribution of aid.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Southern Africa with widespread destruction across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Thousands have been displaced, and humanitarian efforts have intensified to address the needs of the affected populations. While swift emergency responses have been initiated, the scale of damage presents ongoing challenges, particularly in infrastructure and essential services. Continuous support and coordination are essential to mitigate the impact and provide relief in the affected regions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int