Mozambique Faces Intensifying Cyclone Crisis: A Call for Resilience and Preparedness

Mozambique is enduring a cyclone crisis marked by three storms in three months, causing significant devastation. Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have resulted in deaths, destruction of homes, and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate change. Experts emphasize the need for increased disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to support the recovery of affected communities and mitigate future risks.

Mozambique is currently facing a severe cyclone crisis, experiencing three cyclones—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—in a mere three months. This extraordinary weather pattern has resulted in extensive devastation, displacing thousands and straining the resources of humanitarian organizations while raising concerns about the increased frequency of storms in the region.

Typically, Mozambique’s cyclone season spans from November to April, but this year has been particularly harsh. Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December, resulted in the loss of at least 120 lives and severely impacted the French territory of Mayotte before hitting Mozambique. Following this, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in January, claiming five lives.

The recent Cyclone Jude caused catastrophic destruction, featuring winds reaching up to 195 km/h (120 mph). Authorities reported at least 16 fatalities in Mozambique and the destruction of more than 40,000 homes. Additionally, the United Nations estimates approximately 420,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique have been affected by Jude.

Both Jude and Dikeledi landed nearly in the same area—Nampula province, situated about 1,400 km (870 miles) north of Maputo—while Chido struck slightly further north. Humanitarian workers indicate that these recurring disasters have overwhelmed communities that have yet to recover from earlier storms. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in remote regions, lack the resources to endure successive climate shocks.

Guy Taylor, a UNICEF spokesperson, highlighted that by the time Cyclone Jude made landfall, “all river basins and dams in Nampula province were already almost full,” which exacerbated the situation. The unrelenting storms have also depleted emergency supplies, making recovery efforts increasingly difficult.

The history of devastating storms in Mozambique is evident, including Cyclone Idai in 2019 that caused over 600 fatalities. Meteorologists are currently noting an increasing trend in cyclone frequency, with past records indicating six to seven tropical storms per decade, but ten storms have already been recorded in the last six seasons alone.

Experts like Langlade suggest that rising ocean temperatures in the Mozambique Channel may contribute to this increase as warmer waters enhance cyclone formation. This season, eight of the eleven documented tropical storms reached full cyclone intensity, which is notably higher than the typical 50 percent rate, exceeding 70 percent in this case.

While experts remain uncertain whether this rise in cyclone activity is a long-term trend or a direct result of climate change, the consequences are clear. There is a consensus among specialists advocating for Mozambique to invest in disaster preparedness and infrastructure to better face future storms.

Taylor noted UNICEF’s initiative to construct over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms throughout the country exemplifies how resilience can save lives. He emphasized, “it really makes the case for investing in resilience,” underscoring the importance of sustainable infrastructure as communities prepare for ongoing challenges. As Mozambique continues to confront the active cyclone season, the outlook remains uncertain, with aid organizations preparing for potential additional storms.

In conclusion, Mozambique is currently grappling with an escalating cyclone crisis, suffering from a series of destructive storms that have caused widespread devastation and displacement. Experts warn of an alarming increase in cyclone frequency, potentially linked to climate change and rising ocean temperatures. The region’s ability to recover depends heavily on investment in disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to withstand future storms. Immediate action is imperative to safeguard vulnerable populations and sustain humanitarian efforts amidst these challenges.

Original Source: newscentral.africa