Mozambique is facing a severe cyclone crisis, with three cyclones occurring in three months, displacing thousands and straining humanitarian resources. Experts warn of increasing cyclone frequency, possibly linked to climate change. Disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure are crucial for recovery, exemplified by UNICEF’s initiatives. With the cyclone season ongoing, Mozambique prepares for further challenges.
Mozambique is currently facing a significant crisis as it has been hit by three cyclones within a mere three-month span, leading to immense challenges for its recovery efforts. The cyclones—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—have resulted in widespread devastation, displacing thousands and burdening humanitarian organizations. Experts have raised alarms regarding the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region, suggesting that this could be the start of a disturbing trend.
The cyclone season in Mozambique typically lasts from November to April, yet this year has proven particularly severe. Cyclone Chido made its impact felt in mid-December, resulting in the death of at least 120 individuals in Mayotte before reaching Mozambique. Cyclone Dikeledi followed in January, claiming at least five lives, while Cyclone Jude, which struck the region recently, produced winds of up to 195 km/h (120 mph) and left at least 16 fatalities and over 40,000 destroyed homes in its wake. The United Nations estimates that Jude impacted around 420,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Notably, both Cyclones Jude and Dikeledi struck in close proximity to one another in the Nampula province, located approximately 1,400 km (870 miles) north of the capital, Maputo. In contrast, Chido had earlier hit only 200 km further north. Humanitarian workers are raising concerns that repeated disasters are overwhelming communities that are still recovering from prior storms.
Mozambique’s baneful conditions particularly affect its most vulnerable populations, especially in remote areas that lack resources to cope with frequent climate shocks. Guy Taylor, a UNICEF spokesperson in Mozambique, emphasized that by the time Cyclone Jude arrived, “all river basins and dams in Nampula province were already almost full,” exacerbating the crisis. These continuous storms are also exhausting emergency supplies needed for recovery efforts.
Historically, Mozambique has experienced major storms, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which claimed over 600 lives. However, recent trends indicate a troubling rise in cyclone frequency within the region. Previously, the country faced six to seven tropical storms per decade. Yet in the last six seasons, there have already been 10 such storms recorded.
Meteorologists like Langlade indicate that rising ocean temperatures in the Mozambique Channel may be influencing this trend. Warmer waters provide increased energy for cyclones, potentially leading to storms that are both stronger and more frequent. This season, eight out of 11 recorded tropical storms in the southwestern Indian Ocean have achieved full cyclone status, a ratio noticeably above the normal rate of 50 percent, as Langlade observed, having exceeded 70 percent this year.
Whether this notable increase in cyclone activity represents a long-term natural cycle or a consequence of climate change remains uncertain, yet the impacts are significant. Experts collectively underscore the necessity for Mozambique to invest in disaster preparedness and infrastructure to effectively withstand future storms. Taylor highlights UNICEF’s initiative to construct over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms as a vital point, stating that “it really makes the case for investing in resilience.” He added, “Because if you don’t, it’s almost like not having infrastructure at all—since it just gets knocked down time and time again.” With the cyclone season still in effect, Mozambique’s outlook remains unpredictable while aid organizations prepare for the distinct possibility of further storms.
In summary, Mozambique is grappling with an unprecedented cyclone crisis characterized by three storms in quick succession, drastically impacting communities and humanitarian resources. The increase in cyclone frequency raises alarms regarding climate change implications and stresses the need for improved disaster preparedness. Investment in infrastructure and resilient systems is crucial to mitigate the devastating effects of such natural disasters in the future, as exemplified by UNICEF’s strategic initiatives. The situation remains dire, with continued threats from potential future storms.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
