Mozambique Faces Cyclone Crisis: Experts Warn of Increasing Storm Frequency

Mozambique has faced three devastating cyclones within three months, displacing thousands and raising concerns about the frequency and intensity of such storms due to climate change. Aid organizations are increasingly pressured to respond to the needs of impacted communities. The ongoing cyclonic activity reveals a worrying trend in Mozambique’s weather patterns, necessitating immediate investments in disaster preparedness and resilience to protect vulnerable populations.

Mozambique is currently grappling with the impact of three cyclones that have struck in a three-month span, significantly affecting one of the world’s most impoverished regions and displacing thousands of residents. This alarming situation raises concerns among experts regarding the potential for increasingly frequent storms in the future. Aid organizations are encountering unprecedented pressure to assist communities devastated by the ongoing cyclonic activity, which has left tens of thousands of homes destroyed.

The cyclone season, which traditionally lasts from November to April, commenced with Cyclone Chido in mid-December, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 120 lives in Mayotte. Cyclone Dikeledi followed in January, taking five lives, while Cyclone Jude has had devastating winds reaching 195 kilometers per hour. Jude has so far claimed at least 16 lives and left over 40,000 homes in ruins across Mozambique, affecting nearly 420,000 people in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, according to United Nations reports.

Cyclones Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in close proximity within the province of Nampula, approximately 1,400 kilometers from Maputo, while Cyclone Chido struck slightly further to the north. Communities hit by multiple storms face severe challenges, as noted by Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Maputo, emphasizing the difficulty of recovery between disasters. UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor highlighted the vulnerability of these impoverished populations who are unable to cope with such intense weather events, especially with the river basins and dams already saturated when Jude made landfall.

The escalating frequency of disasters places an excessive burden on international aid resources. Taylor expressed concern regarding dwindling supplies as repeated cyclones stretch their response capacity thin. Both Heita and Taylor reaffirmed the critical need for increased investment in disaster preparedness to manage the frequency and severity of these events effectively.

Central Mozambique has a history of severe storms, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 600 fatalities. Despite this season displaying a lesser death toll, the frequency of cyclones has been unprecedented, with Mozambique experiencing eight cyclones since 2019, surpassing past averages. Langlade, a chief cyclone forecaster, documented that previously, the region registered six to seven cyclonic events per decade, but the last six seasons alone have seen ten occurrences.

An apparent factor contributing to the increasing storm frequency is the warming waters in the Mozambique channel, which serves as a significant fuel source for cyclones. For the southwestern Indian Ocean region, a notable 70% of recorded tropical storms have reached cyclone intensity this season, considerably higher than the typical 50%. While it remains unclear whether this escalation is a natural fluctuation or a consequence of climate change, the necessity for adaptation is evident.

UNICEF has initiated proactive measures, such as constructing over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms in Mozambique, to enhance community resilience. Taylor emphasized that preparedness is vital for saving lives, compelling investment in infrastructure that can withstand recurring disasters. Without such resilience, the repeated destruction renders communities vulnerable and unprepared for future challenges.

In conclusion, Mozambique’s recent experience with multiple cyclones highlights a critical need for improved disaster preparedness and resource allocation as extreme weather events become more common. The alarming trend signifies a shift in the cyclonic pattern observed in recent years, prompting experts to question the relationship between climate change and storm frequency. Enhanced infrastructure and adaptive strategies are essential for safeguarding the vulnerable populations living in the region against future disasters.

Original Source: www.france24.com