Mozambique Cyclone Cluster Raises Fears of Increased Storm Frequency

Mozambique is currently facing unprecedented challenges with a series of three cyclones occurring in just three months, raising fears of increased storm frequency as climate change intensifies. Aid organizations are struggling to respond effectively to the compounded disasters, leading to widespread devastation and loss of life. The situation underscores the need for improved preparedness and resilience in affected communities.

In recent months, Mozambique has been severely impacted by a cluster of three cyclones, raising concerns among experts about the potential for increasingly frequent and severe storms in the region. This series of cyclones has exacerbated the already difficult living conditions for thousands of people, leaving many in distress and damaging essential infrastructure. Aid organizations are facing heightened pressure to assist the affected populations as the recurrent disasters have led to the destruction of tens of thousands of homes.

The cyclonic season traditionally runs from November to April, and the first cyclone of the current season was Chido, which struck mid-December. It caused at least 120 fatalities and impacted the nearby French territory of Mayotte. This was followed by Dikeledi in January, which resulted in five additional deaths. The latest cyclone, Jude, brought winds of up to 195 kilometers per hour and claimed at least 16 lives, additionally damaging over 40,000 homes across Mozambique and affecting approximately 420,000 people in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.

As multiple cyclones hit Nampula province in close succession, communities that had not yet recovered from earlier storms now face compounded losses. Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Maputo, noted the dire situation, stating that these communities are trapped in a cycle of disaster without adequate recovery time. The region’s vulnerable populations, as highlighted by UNICEF’s representative Guy Taylor, are exceptionally ill-equipped to endure such intense natural events.

The constant onslaught of cyclones has also strained the capacities of international aid organizations, leading to depleted supplies and resources. Naemi Heita expressed concern about the increasing intensity and frequency of these disasters, asserting that there is an urgent need for enhanced preparedness and investment in resiliency measures to safeguard affected populations.

Historically, Mozambique has faced severe storms, such as cyclone Idai in 2019 that killed over 600 people. The current cyclonic activity, with eight cyclones recorded since 2019, indicates a troubling trend, according to meteorologist Sebastien Langlade. Previously, the average number of cyclones and tropical storms was six to seven per decade, while 10 cyclones have already occurred in recent seasons. The warming waters of the Mozambique Channel may contribute to this increasing frequency, as warmer seas fuel cyclone development.

Experts are currently uncertain whether these patterns represent a natural variability or are accelerated by climate change. Meanwhile, UNICEF has adapted by constructing resilient educational facilities designed to withstand cyclonic impacts, highlighting the importance of preparedness in saving lives and maintaining infrastructure.

Overall, Mozambique’s vulnerability to cyclones has emerged as a focal point, demanding robust international awareness and action to address both immediate needs and long-term resilience planning.

In summary, Mozambique’s recent experience with multiple cyclones within a short period highlights the escalating challenges posed by extreme weather events, raising concerns about the likelihood of such occurrences becoming a new norm. The increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones are pressing aid organizations and governments to reassess their response strategies and invest in measures to enhance resilience among vulnerable populations. Long-term preparedness and infrastructure support will be crucial in mitigating future impacts.

Original Source: www.france24.com