Tropical Cyclone Jude Impacts Southern Africa: Flash Update

Tropical Cyclone Jude, which formed in early March, caused significant damage across Madagascar, resulting in displacements and fatalities. It made landfall in Mozambique and prompted a Tropical Storm Warning in Malawi. Humanitarian responses are being coordinated, with funding allocated for relief efforts as affected regions face a critical need for assistance.

On March 8, Moderate Tropical Storm Jude passed through Madagascar, resulting in one fatality, one injury, and impacting 4,100 individuals, including 3,617 who were displaced across nine temporary sites located mainly in Maroantsetra District. The storm severely flooded approximately 1,300 homes, damaged 37, and submerged 37 classrooms, three of which have been destroyed.

Following its time in Madagascar, by March 10, Jude intensified into a Tropical Cyclone, making landfall in Mossuril District, Nampula Province, Mozambique. The province currently faces heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and dangerous seas due to the cyclone’s impact. Institutions are preparing to manage the consequences.

In Malawi, the Government responded with a Tropical Storm Warning, anticipating effects from March 10. To enhance preparedness, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is aiding the humanitarian groups throughout Malawi.

Efforts are underway in response to the cyclone across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, including pre-arranged funding of $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund that was activated in Mozambique due to the imminent cyclone threat. This funding will support various anticipatory actions.

A system began forming on March 6, south-west of Diego Garcia Island, later leading to the devastation in Madagascar. As of March 9 and 10, reports indicated intense weather conditions in Nampula Province, with the cyclone’s path projected to impact around 780,000 individuals.

The Malawi Government’s Department of Climate Change confirmed the activation of flood response protocols while schools in anticipated affected areas were closed from March 10 to 13 due to the cyclone’s expected impact, which includes heavy rain forecasted to exceed 200 mm across southern regions.

The cyclone is anticipated to weaken near the Mozambique-Malawi border but may intensify as it heads toward southwestern Madagascar, requiring heightened alertness from humanitarian partners in the region. In Madagascar, ongoing recovery efforts from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi complicate responses to Jude. OCHA is ensuring preparedness activities with aerial assessments and contingency plans in place to facilitate quick response, though resource stocks are nearly depleted.

In Mozambique, a rigorous framework for cyclone response has led to the immediate allocation of funds, intended to aid communities vulnerable to cyclonic activities. OCHA officials are coordinating with local entities to manage supplies and logistical challenges. The scale of prior and current storms has compromised humanitarian capabilities, particularly in Madagascar and Malawi, leading to an urgent need for replenished resources.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has had a profound impact in Madagascar and Mozambique, resulting in fatalities, extensive evacuations, and severe damage to infrastructure. Preparedness measures are being implemented across the affected regions, with significant funding allocated to enhance response efforts. The situation remains critical, particularly in light of ongoing recovery from previous storms, thereby emphasizing the necessity for continuous support and resources for affected communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int