Cyclone Chido, a category 4 cyclone, hit Mayotte and Mozambique in December, affecting over 70% of Mayotte’s population and destroying 50,000 homes in Mozambique. The increasing intensity of cyclones in the Indian Ocean is linked to climate change. Ongoing conflict and high migration levels exacerbate the situation, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to build resilience in vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters.
Cyclone Chido, classified as an intense tropical cyclone comparable to a category 4 hurricane, struck the island of Mayotte and later Mozambique in December. With wind gusts nearing 155 mph, the storm raised concerns due to its severity and the increasing prevalence of intense cyclones in the Indian Ocean, which is attributed to climate change-induced warmer ocean temperatures. Reports indicate that approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has been impacted, with Mozambique suffering extensive housing destruction affecting over 50,000 homes.
The disruption caused by ongoing conflicts in Mozambique and high levels of undocumented migration to Mayotte exacerbates the dangers posed by such cyclones. Studies highlight that many migrants, fleeing violence, constitute a significant portion of Mayotte’s populace. Their precarious living conditions heighten the risks during cyclones, as uncertainty about evacuation could result in entanglements with authorities. Moreover, lacking adequate infrastructure limits options for safe shelters during disasters, prolonging recovery efforts.
In Mozambique, the compounded effects of conflict and natural disasters have led to extensive displacement, primarily in the north where socioeconomic conditions are dire. Following Cyclone Chido, nearly half a million individuals remain homeless, many residing in crowded displacement camps. The storm’s early arrival in the cyclone season aggravated these issues, delaying preparation efforts due to insufficient resources and ongoing civil unrest after recent elections.
Climate change is reinforcing the intensity and frequency of storms, as observed through studies revealing the significant warming of ocean surface temperatures fueling cyclones like Chido. These studies also indicate that the cyclone’s strength was heightened by 5% due to global heating, exemplifying the link between human activities and natural disasters. This heightened intensity and the slower movement of storms increase the risk of flooding, resulting in severe humanitarian crises that demand holistic approaches to disaster resilience.
To address future cyclones effectively, it is imperative to integrate considerations of conflict, migration patterns, and underlying social dynamics into climate change strategies. Without this comprehensive understanding, vulnerable displaced and migrant communities will continue to suffer disproportionately from climate-induced challenges.
The increase in the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean has raised alarms among researchers and policymakers. This phenomenon is largely attributed to climate change, which is leading to warmer ocean temperatures, thus providing more energy for stronger storms. Additionally, the situation in affected regions, such as Mozambique and Mayotte, is complicated by ongoing conflicts, social dynamics, and significant numbers of displaced persons. As such, the interplay between climate, migration, and conflict is a crucial area of study for developing effective response strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido exemplifies the severe impacts of climate change on tropical cyclone intensity and the multifaceted challenges posed by socioeconomic issues, particularly in regions like Mayotte and Mozambique. The combination of rising sea temperatures, ongoing conflict, and high levels of ongoing migration highlights the urgent need for integrated disaster response strategies. Prioritizing resilience building that takes into account the unique vulnerabilities of displaced and migrant communities is crucial for mitigating future risks associated with climate change and natural disasters.
Original Source: theconversation.com
