Mozambique is currently experiencing an alarming trend of increased cyclonic activity, with three cyclones striking in recent months. This has greatly impacted vulnerable communities and strained aid organizations. Experts are questioning if this rise in storm frequency signifies a new norm, urging for enhanced preparedness and resilience measures to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
In Mozambique, a recent cluster of cyclones has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Over the span of three months, three separate cyclones have struck, severely affecting one of the world’s poorest regions and displacing thousands. This unusual pattern has raised questions regarding whether such severe storms may become a new norm.
The recent series of cyclones has severely impacted aid organizations, as the cycle of disasters has destroyed thousands of homes. Sebastien Langlade, a chief cyclone forecaster, emphasized the severity of the current situation, indicating an alarming series of cyclonic impacts in Mozambique.
The cyclone season typically runs from November to April, with the first cyclone, named Chido, making landfall in December. It resulted in over 120 fatalities after devastating the French territory of Mayotte. Cyclone Dikeledi followed in January, claiming at least five lives, and the latest cyclone, Jude, struck recently with winds exceeding 120 miles per hour, resulting in at least 16 deaths and damaging over 40,000 homes. The UN reported around 420,000 individuals affected across Mozambique, Madagascar, and Malawi.
Naemi Heita, from the Red Cross, described the scenario as a “double tragedy,” noting that communities have had little opportunity to recover between storms. The area is home to many vulnerable populations who lack the resources to withstand such climatic challenges, which UNICEF’s spokesperson Guy Taylor highlighted. He noted that river basins in the region were already at capacity by the time Jude arrived.
These repeating disasters are stretching the resources of international aid organizations, as continued cyclones result in diminished supplies. Heita acknowledged the growing frequency and intensity of these disasters, asserting the need for greater investment in preparedness and response capabilities.
The cyclonic activity is unprecedented in Mozambique, with meteorologist Langlade noting that eight cyclones have occurred since 2019, a sharp increase from the historical norm of six to seven such events per decade. Warming waters in the Mozambique Channel may be contributing to enhanced cyclone activity, with an unusual 70% of recorded tropical storms this season reaching cyclone strength.
Experts continue to grapple with whether this trend signals a long-term climate trend or natural fluctuation. Regardless, there is a clear need for adaptation, as emphasized by Taylor, who mentioned that UNICEF has constructed over 1,000 classrooms designed to withstand cyclones. He underscored that preparedness efforts could save lives, advocating for investments in resilience to prevent repeated devastation in already vulnerable areas.
In summary, Mozambique is facing a concerning trend of increasing cyclone frequency, which poses significant challenges to local communities and international aid efforts. The recent cyclones have demonstrated the urgent need for improved preparedness and resilience-building strategies in the region. As the climate crisis unfolds, proactive measures will be essential to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
