Tropical Cyclone Jude: Humanitarian Crisis and Preparedness in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Jude has struck Madagascar and Mozambique, causing fatalities, widespread flooding, and significant displacement. Humanitarian efforts are deploying resources for response and recovery, particularly in light of previous cyclones straining local capacities. The cyclone is expected to continue affecting the region, prompting urgent calls for support.

The Moderate Tropical Storm Jude affected Madagascar on 8 March, resulting in at least one casualty, one injury, and 4,100 individuals impacted, including 3,617 displaced across nine temporary sites in the Maroantsetra District. The severe conditions included over 1,300 flooded houses and 37 destroyed structures. Following this, Jude intensified into a Tropical Cyclone, making landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula Province on 10 March, where heavy rains and dangerous winds are currently being reported.

As the situation escalated, the Government of Malawi issued a Tropical Storm Warning on 10 March, anticipating initial impacts from Jude. OCHA is assisting local authorities in ensuring preparedness and response measures, while the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services emphasizes ongoing monitoring and alertness. Schools in potentially affected districts have been suspended, and rainfall exceeding 200 mm is forecasted, particularly in southern regions like Salima and Lilongwe.

The status of Cyclone Jude remains critical as it is expected to weaken as it approaches the Mozambique-Malawi border but could intensify again before making landfall in Madagascar between 13 and 14 March. Humanitarian agencies are actively addressing the emergency operations across affected regions, focusing on providing timely assistance and support to vulnerable populations, particularly in Madagascar.

In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, humanitarian partners are coordinating efforts for response across the regions, activating emergency operations, and enhancing ground awareness. In addition, support measures include evacuation plans and pre-positioning of essential supplies. Madagascar’s ongoing recovery efforts from earlier climate events have left them with depleted resources, raising concerns about their capacity to respond effectively to Jude.

The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated $6 million following the activation of the Anticipatory Action framework, aimed at supporting communities in vulnerable coastal provinces ahead of the cyclone. The ongoing disaster response highlights the urgency for additional resources to assist those affected by concurrent climate events in Madagascar and Malawi, as recovery from previous cyclones is still underway.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has severely impacted Madagascar and Mozambique, resulting in casualties, extensive flooding, and displacements. The humanitarian response is actively mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts across the affected regions. With prior cyclones straining their recovery capacities, there is an urgent need for additional support and resources. The forthcoming days will be critical as the cyclone is projected to affect more regions, demanding vigilant preparedness and timely humanitarian intervention.

Original Source: reliefweb.int