Malawi DoDMA warns of Tropical Cyclone Jude in South Malawi Malawi: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has advised people in Southern Malawi to follow precaution. The directive was made when the Department of Meteorological Services (DCCMS) issued warning of Tropical Storm Jude.
In a statement signed by Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for DoDMA, Tropical Storm Jude is expected to develop into a cyclone and directly trigger heavy rains and strong winds in the country from Monday, 10th March 2025 leading to rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm in 24 hours, particularly in affected areas.
“Districts in southern Malawi are expected to receive rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm in 24 hours. Some of the districts that are likely to experience severe impact include: Balaka, Blantyre, Mwanza, Chiradzulu, Nsanje, Chikwawa Machinga, Ntcheu, Zomba, Neno, Phalombe, Thyolo and Mulanje districts along the lakeshore areas are also expected to experience high rainfall amounts,” reads the statement.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), is advising the general public to move to safer and higher areas as a matter of urgency, follow weather updates through various communication channels and platforms further avoid crossing flooded rivers and walking through running water among others.
DoDMA is also advising the public to stay away from power lines and electrical wires and report fallen power lines to authorities.
The statement indicates that people are advised not to attempt to save personal property at the expense of lives, to move and store essential property in safe higher grounds as well as providing first aid treatment to the injured, those in shock and call for medical help.
In accordance with the statement, apart from alerting councils, DoDMA has activated all clusters (sector working groups) for swift preparatory and anticipatory actions. The national emergency operation centre has also been activated for coordinated preparedness and response.
“DoDMA has also made standby arrangements for the deployment of a search and rescue team comprising the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) the Marine Department and the Malawi Red Cross Society,” the statement reads.
The department, through the Public Communication and Publicity Cluster, is also working with DCCMS and councils in disseminating early warning messages and raising awareness of the looming cyclone.
DoDMA has also urged the district councils which are falling in disaster-prone areas to alert area and village committees. They have been tasked to alert and assist vulnerable communities to move to evacuation centres.