Impact of Tropical Storm Jude on Southern Africa: Humanitarian Response Update

Tropical Storm Jude affected nearly 340,000 people across Southern Africa between March 6 and 16, causing extensive damage in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Humanitarian partners collaborated to support government response efforts as concerns about cholera outbreaks arise due to the storm’s impact and heavy rains.

Tropical Storm Jude recently impacted Southern Africa, affecting nearly 340,000 individuals and displacing thousands across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The storm, which occurred between March 6 and 16, resulted in significant destruction, harming infrastructure, crops, and disrupting access to essential services.

In Madagascar, approximately 15,000 individuals were affected after Jude’s second landfall on March 15, particularly in the Atsimo Andrefana Region. The storm led to one fatality, with 10,587 people displaced. The areas hit experienced extensive damage, with many structures rendered unusable and 48,000 students unable to attend school due to the destruction of educational facilities.

Malawi reported around 20,650 affected individuals, with three missing and nearly 4,883 displaced between March 10 and 12. The storm impacted numerous councils, and Phalombe District faced the highest number of affected residents. Heavy rainfall contributed to damage and displacement across the southern region.

Mozambique’s northern region was also severely impacted, with Tropical Storm Jude making landfall on March 10. The storm caused damage to over 70,000 homes, leading to 16 fatalities and significant impairments to health units, schools, and infrastructure. The Ministry of Health had already declared a cholera outbreak, raising concerns that the storm’s aftermath may exacerbate this crisis.

In response, humanitarian partners are working with government authorities across the affected countries. Temporary sites for evacuees have been established in Madagascar, where food, water, and health services are being provided. Meanwhile, Malawi intensified awareness campaigns and mobilized resources for food assistance. Support operations in Mozambique’s overstretched humanitarian environment focus on coordinating response efforts and placing needs assessments at the forefront.

Tropical Storm Jude has markedly affected Southern Africa, displacing thousands and causing widespread damage in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. The humanitarian response involves government and partner collaboration to address immediate needs. Ongoing challenges include potential health crises, particularly the threat of cholera outbreaks. This situation underscores the necessity for organized and effective disaster response planning to safeguard vulnerable populations in affected areas.

Original Source: reliefweb.int