Tropical Cyclone Jude has impacted Madagascar significantly, resulting in one death, significant flooding, and displacement of over 3,600 people. The storm made landfall in Mozambique on March 10, causing heavy rains and winds, with Malawi issuing warnings. Humanitarian efforts are in place across the affected regions, with $6 million allocated for response actions.
This report provides an update on the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude, which struck Madagascar on March 8, 2025. The storm resulted in one fatality, one injury, and affected at least 4,100 individuals, with 3,617 people displaced across nine temporary sites, primarily in the Maroantsetra District. The storm also caused flooding that affected approximately 1,300 homes and resulted in the destruction of 37 houses and 37 classrooms.
After intensifying into a Tropical Cyclone on March 10, Jude made landfall in the Mossuril District of Nampula Province, Mozambique, where it prompted heavy rains, powerful winds, and hazardous sea conditions. The government of Malawi has issued a Tropical Storm Warning in anticipation of initial impacts expected on March 10. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is coordinating humanitarian efforts in Malawi as part of a preparedness strategy.
Preparedness measures are underway in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, including the activation of anticipatory action programs and the establishment of an Emergency Operations Centre in Malawi. The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $6 million for immediate response actions in Mozambique, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive essential support in light of the impending storm.
On March 6, the cyclone began as a weather system near Diego Garcia Island, moving westward and intensifying. Significant impacts are expected in Mozambique, as approximately 780,000 people may be affected due to deteriorating weather conditions. The storm is predicted to weaken as it approaches the Mozambique-Malawi border and could re-intensify, potentially impacting Madagascar between March 13 and 14.
Humanitarian agencies are collectively addressing the disaster response, with ongoing efforts from various partners in all affected countries. In Madagascar, agencies continue to manage the aftermath of previous cyclones while preparing for the additional challenges posed by Tropical Cyclone Jude. In Mozambique, timely preparation efforts are being executed to aid affected communities through planned funding and mobilization of resources. The response in Madagascar and Malawi is particularly stretched due to recent weather events, therefore highlighting the need for additional resources for effective recovery and support efforts.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has resulting in significant devastation in Madagascar, where thousands have been affected and displaced. As the cyclone approaches Mozambique, extensive preparatory measures and emergency responses have been mobilized across the affected regions, including heavy financial commitments from international support organizations. The situation in Madagascar remains fragile due to recent climate events, necessitating increased resources and coordinated humanitarian efforts to assist vulnerable communities. Continued monitoring and assistance will be crucial as the cyclone’s path evolves in the coming days.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
