Mozambique is grappling with three cyclones in three months, raising concerns over the increasing frequency of such disasters in the impoverished region. Aid organizations are struggling to respond to the crisis, with destroyed homes and loss of lives as a result of the storms. Experts point to climate influences while advocating for improved preparedness and resilience investment to assist affected communities.
Recent events in Mozambique signal a worrying trend as the country faces three cyclones within a span of three months, exacerbating the plight of one of the world’s poorest regions. These repeated storms have resulted in significant distress for thousands, prompting experts to consider whether such extreme weather will become the new normal.
The series of cyclonic events has placed immense stress on aid organizations striving to assist affected communities, where many homes have been comprehensively destroyed. Sebastien Langlade, chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, remarked on the severity of the situation, asserting that Mozambique is enduring some of the most impactful cyclonic events ever recorded.
This season commenced with Cyclone Chido in mid-December, which led to the deaths of at least 120 individuals in Mayotte. This was followed by Cyclone Dikeledi in January, claiming five lives, and then Cyclone Jude, which brought winds of 195 kilometers per hour, leading to 16 deaths and destruction of over 40,000 homes in Mozambique.
The repercussions extend beyond Mozambique, with Cyclone Jude affecting approximately 420,000 individuals across Madagascar and Malawi as well. Both Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula province, further straining the region, which had not yet recovered from previous cyclones.
Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross delegation in Maputo, described the situation as a “double tragedy,” highlighting how the communities are left vulnerable without the chance to recuperate. UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor noted that by the time Jude hit, the river basins and dams were already near capacity, increasing the region’s susceptibility to flooding.
The continuing adverse weather patterns also challenge the resources available to international aid organizations, as supplies deplete after repeated disasters. Heita expressed concerns regarding the increasing frequency and intensity of such events, emphasizing the need for more robust preparedness initiatives.
Historically, central Mozambique has faced devastating storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, but the current frequency of cyclones is remarkable, with eight recorded since 2019, a situation not previously seen. According to Langlade, this anomaly suggests a shift in weather patterns, possibly influenced by climate change, which remains to be conclusively determined.
UNICEF has undertaken various initiatives to bolster resilience, such as constructing cyclone-resistant classrooms, reflecting the greater need for preparedness mechanisms. Taylor concluded by stressing that without investment in resilience, communities will continue to face devastation each time a cyclone strikes, effectively reducing infrastructures to rubble repeatedly.
The recent cyclones that have impacted Mozambique underscore the alarming frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region. With heightened vulnerability among the population and limited resources for recovery, addressing preparedness and resilience through effective measures has become crucial. The ongoing investigation into the potential causes, including climate change, highlights the importance of proactive action to safeguard communities against future storms.
Original Source: www.france24.com
