Mozambique Cyclone Cluster Raises Concerns Over Frequency and Impact

Mozambique is enduring a troubling series of cyclones, with three major storms affecting the region within three months. The disasters have led to mass displacement and destruction, overwhelming aid organizations. Experts suggest that increased frequency of cyclones may be linked to climate change, sparking discussions on the need for enhanced preparedness and resilience in affected communities.

Mozambique has faced a devastating series of three cyclones within a three-month period, significantly impacting one of the world’s poorest regions and prompting concerns about the potential for an increase in the frequency of such storms. The cyclones have caused widespread distress, destroying tens of thousands of homes and exerting considerable pressure on aid organizations working in the region.

Sebastien Langlade, chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in Reunion Island, remarked, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season, which typically extends from November to April, began with Cyclone Chido, which struck in December and resulted in at least 120 fatalities after impacting the French territory of Mayotte. Following Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in January, leading to five additional deaths, while Cyclone Jude caused winds of up to 195 kilometers (120 miles) per hour last week, claiming 16 lives in Mozambique and destroying over 40,000 homes.

The United Nations reported that Cyclone Jude affected about 420,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Notably, Jude and Dikeledi made landfall nearly simultaneously in Nampula province, with Chido hitting slightly farther north. Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Maputo, emphasized the compounding adverse effects, stating, “It is double tragedy. These are communities that did not have an opportunity to recover from the first cyclone.”

Experts have highlighted that the vulnerable population in this impoverished and remote area is ill-equipped to withstand such frequent disasters. Guy Taylor, UNICEF’s spokesperson for Mozambique, noted, “By the time Jude arrived, all river basins and dams in Nampula province were already almost full.” The repeated catastrophes are straining the resources of international aid organizations, resulting in depleted supplies and limited capacity for response.

Although the mortality rate from this season’s cyclones has been lower than in previous years, the frequency of these events is on the rise, with Mozambique experiencing eight cyclones since 2019. Langlade stated, “This is unprecedented in the cyclonic history of the country,” noting that past decades averaged six to seven cyclonic events every ten years, whereas the past six seasons have already recorded ten. The warming oceans in the Mozambique Channel may contribute to the increasing cyclone activity.

Taylor stressed the importance of adaptation and preparedness to mitigate the impact of future storms. UNICEF has initiated projects such as constructing over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms in Mozambique, demonstrating that investing in resilience is critical for safeguarding lives and infrastructure in affected areas.

The current patterns of extreme weather in Mozambique necessitate an urgent response, as experts debate whether this trend is a result of natural variability or climate change.

In conclusion, Mozambique is grappling with an alarming increase in cyclone activity, raising concerns about the potential normalization of such events. The humanitarian impact is significant, with repeated disasters exacerbating vulnerability and straining resources in an impoverished region. Emphasizing the need for preparedness and resilience-building, experts advocate for improved infrastructure and adaptation strategies to better prepare communities for future climate-related challenges.

Original Source: www.lebanondemocrat.com