Cyclone Jude Poses Threat to Malawi: World Vision Malawi and Partners on High Alert

By Trinity Kubalasa

Communication and External Engagement Manager

Cyclone Jude made its land fall in Mozambique on the Monday, 10th March 2025 morning, heading towards the Southern part of Malawi. With this, the country faces yet another potential disaster that threatens vulnerable groups more especially children. Its movement towards Malawi is being closely monitored by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), raising alarms due to its potential to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and severe flooding. Given the country's history of devastating cyclones, authorities fear widespread displacement, destruction of livelihoods, and increased suffering, particularly among children.

Malawi at Risk: A Country Still Recovering

Malawi has experienced multiple cyclones in recent years, including Cyclones Idai in 2019, Anna in 2022, and Freddy in 2023; leaving a trail of destruction including deaths, internally displacing thousands, and also negatively impacting on food security, health systems, and infrastructure. According to updates from DCCMS, this Cyclone Jude threatens to follow a similar path as the other previous cyclones, such that anticipated risks to vulnerable communities remain high.

Projections have maintained that Southern Malawi, where WVM is implementing some its various programs, is particularly at risk of flash floods. Humanitarian agencies warn that children and families could face displacement, food shortages, and increased exposure to waterborne diseases. 

World Vision Malawi and Partners: Preparedness and Monitoring

World Vision Malawi, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi and other humanitarian partners, is actively monitoring the Cyclone Jude’s trajectory and preparing for a potential response. World Vision Malawi is working closely with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and partners to assess risks, identify vulnerable communities, and preposition urgent essential relief supplies that may be required.

"We are closely following the developments of Cyclone Jude, and working with Government authorities and partners to ensure we are prepared to respond should the need arise," says World Vision Malawi Humanitarian Affairs Emergency Manager, Sobhuza Sibande. 

"Our priority is to protect children and ensure that families have access to life-saving assistance once the cyclone makes a landfall and causes significant damage," he adds.

Government and Partners Mobilizing Resources

The Government of Malawi, through DoDMA, on Sunday, 9th March 2025, announced that all humanitarian clusters had been activated in anticipation of the cyclone.  Authorities have issued early warnings to all ‘at-risk’ communities, advising them to take precautionary measures, including moving away from the flood-prone areas. Evacuation plans have also been put in place, with some boats as well as search and rescue teams already on standby in high risk areas.

Despite all preparedness efforts, a number of challenges nonetheless still remain, and key ones include:

• Thousands of people at risk; Malawi faces a significant shortfall in financial and human resources to mount an adequate response, as the country is struggling to secure resources for an on-going Lean Season Response from EL Nino. 
• Further deterioration of poverty; as the affected communities have continuously been impacted by back-to-back disasters for the past couple of years.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As the situation unfolds, World Vision Malawi urges the international community, donors and partners to support response efforts, to protect those most vulnerable to the cyclone's impact, especially children. The projected potential for widespread displacement, hunger, and disease outbreaks due to the cyclone underscores the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian action.

"Our concern is for the safety and well-being of children who are always the most affected in such disasters," adds Sobhuza Sibande. "We call on all stakeholders to come together in ensuring that no child is left behind in the response to Cyclone Jude."

World Vision Malawi remains committed to working alongside the Government and all humanitarian actors to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Jude, in responding to the needs of affected communities.

In the meantime, DCCMS continues to monitor the movement and strength of Cyclone Jude, as any possible changes on its impacts on the Malawi weather forecasts continues to be communicated to the nation accordingly and periodically.