Mozambique has experienced three cyclones in three months, raising concerns over the normalization of such extreme weather events. The impacts of these storms have overwhelmed aid organizations and devastated local communities. Experts warn of increasing cyclone frequency likely influenced by climate change, calling for urgent investment in resilience and preparedness measures to protect the vulnerable population.
In Mozambique, three cyclones within a three-month period have devastated one of the world’s poorest regions, leading to significant humanitarian distress and prompting concerns about the future frequency of such storms. The series of cyclones has overwhelmed aid organizations, as repeated natural disasters have resulted in widespread destruction of homes.
Sebastien Langlade, the chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in Reunion, expressed concern about the impacts: “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season typically spans from November to April, with the first cyclone, Chido, striking in mid-December and causing at least 120 fatalities in Mayotte. Subsequent cyclones, Dikeledi and Jude, further exacerbated the situation, with Jude resulting in at least 16 deaths and devastating over 40,000 homes across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.
The head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Maputo, Naemi Heita, noted the dire circumstances, stating, “It is double tragedy. These are communities that did not have an opportunity to recover from the first cyclone.” These areas, characterized by poverty and remoteness, are ill-equipped to handle such disasters, as commented by UNICEF’s Guy Taylor, who highlighted the overflowing river basins and dams when Jude struck.
The ongoing cyclonic events are straining the resources of international aid organizations. Taylor elaborated that with multiple cyclones, “Supplies become depleted,” raising concerns over the adequacy of response capabilities. Heita further mentioned the inadequate increase in resources for these vulnerable regions despite the escalating intensity and frequency of disasters, emphasizing the need for enhanced preparedness.
Historically, Mozambique has faced terrifying storm events, including Cyclone Idai, which claimed over 600 lives in 2019. Although the current toll is lower, there is a noted increase in the frequency of cyclones, with eight recorded since 2019, as noted by Langlade. He remarked, “This is unprecedented in the cyclonic history of the country,” indicating a shift in patterns.
The warming temperatures in the Mozambique Channel may be contributing to the rising intensity of storms. Langlade observed that eight out of eleven tropical storms this season reached cyclone intensity, surpassing the typical ratio. The question remains whether this trend is a natural variation or a response to climate change.
UNICEF is proactively responding by constructing resilient infrastructure, such as classrooms designed to withstand cyclones. Taylor underscored the importance of preparedness in saving lives and advocating for investments in resilience to prevent recurrent infrastructure damage from storm impacts.
The recent cluster of cyclones in Mozambique has raised alarms about the potential emergence of more frequent natural disasters, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Experts stress the importance of preparedness and resource allocation to mitigate the impact of such storms. As Mozambique continues to face unprecedented weather patterns, significant investment in resilience and infrastructure is essential to protect vulnerable communities and enhance response capabilities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
