Tropical Storm Jude has affected nearly 340,000 individuals across Southern Africa, causing widespread destruction and displacement in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The storm precipitated humanitarian responses to provide urgent assistance, while simultaneously raising concerns over an impending cholera outbreak in the affected regions.
Recent reports indicate that Tropical Storm Jude severely impacted Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals and displacing thousands across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique from March 6 to March 16, 2025. The storm caused extensive damage, including destroyed infrastructure and disrupted access to essential services. Humanitarian partners are actively aiding recovery efforts through various response initiatives, alongside the government officials in the affected regions.
The situation overview reveals that Madagascar suffered the most, with about 15,000 people impacted following the storm’s second landfall on March 15. A death was recorded while 10,587 individuals were displaced, mostly in the Atsimo Andrefana region. Notably, the storm caused significant structural damage, affecting over 1,600 houses and rendering 48,000 students unable to attend school due to destroyed educational facilities.
In Malawi, approximately 20,650 people were affected, with three reported missing and 4,883 displaced after the storm struck between March 10 and 12. The affected regions included several councils principally in the south, with Phalombe District facing the highest impact of nearly 10,000 individuals affected. Heavy rainfall complicates recovery efforts further, as many areas face ongoing flooding problems.
Mozambique experienced severe challenges following Jude’s landfall on March 10, primarily affecting over 302,000 individuals, leading to 16 confirmed fatalities. The devastation included the destruction of more than 70,000 houses and significant damage to health units, schools, and critical infrastructure. An alarming cholera outbreak in Nampula complicates the recovery efforts further; the Ministry of Health had identified four affected districts.
Amidst the devastation, humanitarian partners are mobilizing support. In Madagascar, the government and its partners have initiated food, water, and health services alongside temporary shelter setups. The Start Network has pledged over $500,000 for critical assistance to thousands of families facing immediate needs.
In Malawi, the government is enhancing awareness and mobilizing relief assistance through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) using diverse communication methods. Cash assistance is being provided to vulnerable households while food and essential supplies are distributed across affected districts. One of the priorities includes established camps for the displaced population, facilitating shelter and relief.
Mozambique’s humanitarian response is stretched thin due to prior cyclone responses and ongoing cholera outbreaks. The UN and OCHA have provided additional support in assessments and coordination at local levels. Anticipatory actions have been initiated, allowing for pre-emptive relief efforts. Additionally, funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) were made available to facilitate a more immediate response. However, resource shortages are hindering effective delivery to the affected populations.
Tropical Storm Jude has profoundly impacted Southern Africa, displacing thousands and affecting hundreds of thousands in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Damage to housing and essential services has raised urgent humanitarian needs, with cholera outbreaks threatening the recovery efforts. Despite significant challenges, coordinated responses by governments and humanitarian partners are underway, aiming to provide immediate assistance and long-term support for affected populations. The ongoing response demonstrates the importance of preparedness and resource mobilization in addressing natural disasters effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
