Tropical Cyclone Jude has impacted Madagascar and Mozambique, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and large-scale displacement. The government of Malawi issued a Tropical Storm Warning in anticipation of severe weather effects. Immediate humanitarian response measures include evacuations, emergency food distribution, and financial allocations for recovery efforts. The situation remains critical due to previous climatological events requiring substantial resource support.
On 8 March, Tropical Storm Jude affected Madagascar, leading to one fatality, one injury, and impacting 4,100 people, with 3,617 displaced across nine temporary sites predominantly in Maroantsetra District. Significant damage was reported, including over 1,300 flooded houses, with 37 entirely destroyed, along with the submersion of approximately 37 classrooms. This storm intensified into a cyclone on 10 March, making landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula Province amidst heavy rains and winds.
As the cyclone approached Malawi, the government responded with a Tropical Storm Warning due to expected impacts beginning 10 March. The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has initiated flood triggers for early action, and schools in affected areas were suspended. Additionally, heavy rains exceeding 200 mm are forecasted for multiple districts in southern and central Malawi.
Response measures have been initiated in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated US$6 million for Mozambique’s immediate needs. In Malawi, humanitarian partners have commenced evacuation and rescue plans, while logistical arrangements and awareness campaigns in high-risk districts have been heightened. The Malawi Red Cross Society is involved in public awareness and first aid in vulnerable areas.
In Madagascar, while coping with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, humanitarian partners are also preparing for Jude’s impact. There is a critical need for additional resources as existing stocks are nearly depleted due to previous disasters, which may hinder effective response.[…]
In Mozambique, CERF’s funding will aid communities across six coastal provinces affected by cyclones such as Cabo Delgado and Zambezia. OCHA is coordinating relief efforts at provincial levels, assessing stock availability and mapping hard-to-reach areas affected by flooding. The response efforts are particularly challenging, as the region has not yet recovered from preceding climatic events. \n
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused severe damage across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, affecting thousands and prompting significant humanitarian responses. The condition of vulnerable communities is exacerbated by the aftermath of previous storms, necessitating immediate assistance and resource replenishment to manage the current impact effectively. Response efforts are being coordinated with the government and international partners to ensure timely support for those affected while addressing the long-term needs in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
