Tropical Storm Jude has left nearly 340,000 people affected across Southern Africa, especially in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Significant damages include infrastructure destruction and agricultural impacts, raising concerns over potential cholera outbreaks. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing, with government support mobilized for affected communities amidst existing challenges in resource delivery.
Tropical Storm Jude has significantly impacted Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique from March 6 to 16, 2025. The storm caused extensive damage, including disrupted infrastructure, blocked roads, and threats to essential services. Despite the rains aiding agricultural recovery in drought-affected areas, there are rising concerns over potential cholera outbreaks, notably in Malawi and Mozambique due to the storm’s aftermath.
In Madagascar, the storm caused profound devastation, particularly in the southern Atsimo Andrefana Region, where approximately 15,000 people faced displacement and one fatality was reported. Thousands were moved to 24 temporary sites, and structural vulnerabilities heightened damage with over 1,160 homes destroyed. The storm severely disrupted education, affecting 48,000 students due to the destruction of classrooms.
Malawi reported nearly 20,650 people affected, with significant displacement occurring in the southern councils during the storm’s passage. Phalombe District recorded the highest impact, with 9,968 persons affected and severe rainfall measured at 98.3 mm. Meanwhile, Mozambique documented over 302,000 affected individuals and extensive property damage following the storm’s landfall in Nampula Province, exacerbating an existing cholera outbreak.
The humanitarian response involves government-led initiatives supported by various organizations across the affected regions. In Madagascar, governments and partners are distributing food, water, health services, and humanitarian assistance to displaced families. Similarly, in Malawi, targeted relief efforts involved cash assistance to the families of displaced individuals, while focusing on food distributions in affected districts.
Mozambique’s humanitarian response faces challenges due to concurrent crises, including previous cyclones and ongoing health issues. Coordination teams have been deployed for effective resource management and to activate emergency centers focused on assisting vulnerable populations. Despite preparations, initial assessments indicate potential gaps in delivering adequate emergency aid to all affected groups, necessitating robust coordination and resource allocation from international partners.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Jude’s impact across Southern Africa has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, especially in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. While response efforts are underway, the challenges posed by damaged infrastructure, flooding, and potential health crises need immediate attention. Strengthened coordination among humanitarian partners and comprehensive resource mobilization will be crucial in addressing the needs of the affected populations as recovery efforts continue.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
