Mozambique faces a series of devastating cyclones, raising concerns about increasing frequency. Three cyclones in three months have left thousands in distress and overwhelmed aid organizations. Experts emphasize the need for preparedness and adaptation as the region grapples with unprecedented weather patterns, coinciding with potential climate change factors.
Mozambique has recently been struck by a series of three cyclones over the span of three months, adversely impacting one of the world’s most impoverished regions. These storms have forced thousands into distress and raised concerns about the possibility of more frequent cyclonic events becoming the norm. Aid organizations are feeling the strain as they respond to the devastation that has destroyed numerous homes, exacerbating the crisis.
The first cyclone of the current season, named Chido, occurred in mid-December, resulting in the loss of at least 120 lives. This was followed by Dikeledi in January, which claimed five more lives. The most recent cyclone, Jude, struck last week with winds reaching 195 kilometers per hour, causing at least 16 fatalities and destroying over 40,000 homes. Approximately 420,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique have been adversely affected, as reported by the United Nations.
Cyclones Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in close proximity within the Nampula province, with Chido impacting further north. The multiple cyclonic events have been termed a “double tragedy” as communities have insufficient time to recover between disasters, according to Naemi Heita, the head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Maputo. The region is characterized by extreme poverty, leaving residents ill-prepared to withstand such catastrophic impacts, highlighted by UNICEF’s spokesperson, Guy Taylor.
Following the landfall of Jude, river basins and dams in Nampula were already at capacity, contributing to further flooding risks. Aid organizations face significant challenges in their capacity to respond to recurring disasters, with dwindling supplies after repeated cyclonic events. Experts stress the need for enhanced preparedness and resources, particularly as Mozambique faces an unprecedented frequency of cyclones, with eight occurrences since 2019.
While this season’s cyclones have seen fewer fatalities compared to previous disasters, the increasing frequency is a concerning trend. In contrast to the historical average of six to seven cyclonic events per decade, the past six seasons have already seen 10 such events. Meteorologist Sebastien Langlade points out that warming waters in the Mozambique Channel may be contributing to this rise in cyclone intensity.
This season, eight out of eleven recorded tropical storms have reached cyclone strength, a ratio significantly above the normal expectation of 50 percent. Although still uncertain, experts are investigating whether this pattern results from climate change or is merely part of a natural fluctuation. Nevertheless, UNICEF recognizes the urgent need for adaptation, evidenced by the construction of cyclone-resistant classrooms in Mozambique. Investing in preparedness is essential, as emphasized by Taylor, who argues that without such infrastructure, the region remains perpetually vulnerable to repeated destruction.
The recent cyclone cluster in Mozambique poses serious humanitarian challenges and raises concerns regarding the increased frequency and intensity of such weather events. With multiple cyclones occurring in rapid succession, communities are struggling to recover as aid resources become strained. Experts advocate for immediate investment in preparedness and resilience to mitigate the impact of future disasters, emphasizing the importance of adapting to these changing climatic conditions.
Original Source: www.france24.com
