Cyclone Chido has devastated northern Mozambique, displacing thousands and exacerbating existing challenges from previous storms. Experts link increased cyclone frequency to climate change, with Malawi and Mozambique facing heightened vulnerability. The cyclone’s impact on infrastructure and food security prompts urgent humanitarian responses, but improved preparedness and international support are critical for future resilience against extreme weather events.
Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage on northern Mozambique following its landfall on December 15, 2024. Originating from the Indian Ocean and impacting the Comoros archipelago, this cyclone has displaced thousands in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. The frequency of such storms, including Cyclone Freddy in 2023 and Idai in 2019, is escalating, indicating a concerning trend linked to climate change in southern Africa.
Lucy Mtilatila, Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in Malawi, remarked, “It’s all because with global warming, the temperatures on the Indian oceans are increasing more than normal. And that is creating a conducive environment for these cyclones to develop”. As climate change intensifies, Malawi and Mozambique are experiencing an unprecedented rise in extreme weather events, undermining progress in building resilience against such natural disasters.
Cyclone Chido unleashed powerful winds reaching speeds of 260 km/h (160 mph) alongside torrential rains, causing structural damage, uprooting trees, and resulting in power outages across regions. Preliminary reports have confirmed fatalities, and evaluations of the extent of damage are ongoing, especially in areas like Memba, Nampula Province, where contact remains obstructed. Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to address immediate needs, yet concerns grow over long-term impacts on children’s education and public health systems, as noted by UN representatives.
Officials in Mozambique are apprehensive about how Cyclone Chido may exacerbate food insecurity. Luisa Meque from the National Institute for Risk and Disaster Management has indicated that the cyclone’s intensity mirrors that of Cyclone Freddy, underscoring a continued cycle of vulnerability amidst structural challenges in disaster recovery.
Malawi appears to have made proactive preparations to counter Cyclone Chido. Mtilatila pointed out that this time, essential sectors collaborated effectively, enhancing the nation’s disaster response capabilities. “I think the coordination now is very good. We have so many sectors that are coming in to work together to respond to such kind of disasters,” she stated. However, the ongoing cycle of disaster recovery and future preparedness remains a challenge, especially for communities still recovering from prior events.
In light of the drought and food scarcity exacerbated by climate conditions, the Malawian government preemptively procured relief supplies prior to the cyclone’s landfall. The situation calls for immediate attention and international support, as urgent interventions from organizations like UNICEF and ActionAid continue to be essential in light of the escalating climate crisis. Mtilatila emphasized, “As we are being impacted by these cyclones, we are learning a lot. So, as we are building back, we do it better so that we should not make ourselves vulnerable.”
The impact of climate change on weather patterns is becoming increasingly evident in southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Malawi, which have been subjected to a series of devastating cyclones in recent years. Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of severe weather events exacerbated by rising global temperatures, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster management and preparedness strategies. Experts emphasize that these developments not only threaten immediate human safety but also jeopardize long-term socio-economic stability in the region.
The recent devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido underscores the critical need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in Mozambique and Malawi. As climate change continues to amplify the frequency and severity of such cyclones, both nations must prioritize recovery efforts while also addressing the root causes of vulnerability. International support and proactive approaches are essential to ensure sustainable development and protect communities from future climate-related disasters.
Original Source: www.dw.com
