This article discusses the alarming frequency of cyclones affecting Mozambique, highlighting recent storms that have caused significant destruction and loss of life. Experts express concerns about a potential new norm of intensified cyclones, emphasizing the strain on aid organizations and the necessity for improved preparedness and resilience-building measures in the region.
The frequency of cyclones in Mozambique has raised concerns among experts regarding a possible new normal. In just three months, three cyclones have impacted the region, worsening the plight of one of the world’s poorest areas and pushing thousands into distress. Aid organizations are under significant stress as repeated disasters lead to extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure.
The cyclones include Chido, which struck in mid-December and resulted in 120 fatalities, followed by Dikeledi in January that claimed five lives, and Jude, which recently brought winds of 195 km/h, leading to at least 16 deaths and over 40,000 homes destroyed. Approximately 420,000 people across Mozambique, Madagascar, and Malawi have been affected by these storms, according to the United Nations.
Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Maputo, emphasized the compounding tragedy for communities that had not recovered from earlier cyclones. UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor noted the vulnerability of the population, stating that the area is ill-equipped to withstand hurricane forces, exacerbated by prior saturation of local river basins and dams.
Repeated storms create a taxing situation for international aid organizations as resources dwindle rapidly. Heita pointed out, “Supplies become depleted — after one cyclone, two cyclones, three cyclones, you start to run out,” indicating an urgent need for enhanced preparedness and resource allocation.
The recent cyclones reflect an increase in frequency, with eight recorded since 2019—an unprecedented number in Mozambique’s history. According to meteorologist Sebastien Langlade, there were historically six to seven cyclones and tropical storms every decade, yet ten occurred in the last six seasons. The rising sea temperatures in the Mozambique channel may be a contributing factor to this increase in cyclone intensity.
Taylor advocated for adaptation strategies, highlighting that UNICEF’s efforts, such as constructing resilient classrooms, aim to mitigate the impact of cyclones while improving community resilience. The pressing need for investment in preparedness is evident as it plays a crucial role in saving lives and maintaining essential infrastructure in these vulnerable regions.
The cyclone cluster affecting Mozambique has spotlighted the dire consequences of climate-related disasters in impoverished regions. The increasing frequency of cyclones, highlighted by expert observations, underscores the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and resource allocation to aid in resilience-building efforts. The ongoing crisis calls for a robust response from international aid organizations and immediate investment in sustainable infrastructure to mitigate future impacts on affected communities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
