Mozambique Cyclone Cluster Sparks Concerns Over Climate Norms

Mozambique has experienced three cyclones in three months, raising fears of more frequent storms. The disasters have had dire humanitarian impacts, destroying homes and straining aid efforts. Experts note an unprecedented increase in cyclone activity, with previous patterns suggesting the need for improved preparedness and resilience against climate-related disasters.

In Mozambique, the occurrence of three cyclones within three months has raised concerns about potential changes in climate patterns, impacting one of the world’s most disadvantaged regions. The cyclones have significantly affected thousands of residents, exacerbating the pressure on humanitarian aid organizations working on the ground as repeated weather events have resulted in widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.

Sebastien Langlade, the chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season commenced in mid-December, beginning with Chido, which resulted in at least 120 fatalities. Following Chido, Dikeledi struck in January, causing five deaths and considerable damage.

The latest cyclone, Jude, generated winds reaching 195 kilometers per hour, resulting in at least 16 deaths in Mozambique and impacting around 420,000 individuals across the region, as noted by the UN. Both Jude and Dikeledi impacted the same location in Nampula province, with Chido making landfall slightly further north. This pattern of simultaneous disasters has hindered recovery efforts for affected communities.

Naemi Heita, leading the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Mozambique, remarked that it is a “double tragedy,” as these communities lack time to adequately recover from earlier cyclones. UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor emphasized the extreme vulnerability of these populations and the systemic difficulties posed by recurring disasters on relief efforts.

According to Langlade, Mozambique has faced eight cyclones since 2019, indicating a marked increase in frequency from the historical average of six to seven cyclonic events per decade. Warming waters in the Mozambique Channel may be contributing to this uptick in cyclone intensity and frequency.

UNICEF has taken steps to raise resilience against cyclones by building more durable structures, reinforcing the need for improved preparedness measures. Taylor remarked on the necessity of investment in resilience, asserting that without such preparations, infrastructure remains vulnerable to destruction by repeated disasters, which underscores a critical shift needed in resource allocation to respond effectively to this spiraling crisis.

The recent series of cyclones in Mozambique highlights a potential shift in climate patterns, with increased frequency and intensity of such events posing severe challenges to vulnerable communities. The devastation brought about by these storms has strained humanitarian efforts and emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced resilience and preparedness measures. As experts investigate the long-term implications of climate change on cyclone activity, immediate action is required to support affected populations and prevent further disasters.

Original Source: www.france24.com