Mozambique faces a growing cyclone crisis with three storms—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—hitting in three months. These events have devastated vulnerable populations, resulting in loss of lives and homes. Experts warn of increasing frequency due to climate changes, emphasizing the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the region.
Mozambique is currently facing a escalating cyclone crisis after experiencing three significant storms within a mere three months. Notably, Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have wreaked havoc on one of the world’s most impoverished regions, displacing numerous families and severely stretching humanitarian resources. Experts express growing concern that extreme weather events like these are becoming increasingly frequent in Mozambique, raising fears about a potential new norm for the region.
Typically, Mozambique’s cyclone season extends from November to April; however, this year’s season has proven to be exceptionally severe. Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 120 lives as it passed through Mayotte and subsequently impacted Mozambique. Shortly thereafter, in January, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall, claiming at least five additional lives.
The latest cyclone, Jude, brought devastating winds reaching 195 km/h (120 mph), leading to the destruction of over 40,000 homes in Mozambique. Reports indicate that at least 16 individuals lost their lives due to this storm, with the United Nations estimating that Jude has affected approximately 420,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Notably, both Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in the Nampula province, situated about 1,400 km (870 miles) north of the capital, Maputo.
Humanitarian workers express alarm at the cumulative impact of these disasters on communities that are still grappling with the aftermath of previous storms. The most vulnerable populations, especially those residing in remote regions, lack the necessary resources and resilience to effectively manage continuous climatic shocks. Guy Taylor, a spokesperson for UNICEF in Mozambique, emphasized that the conditions were dire even before Cyclone Jude hit, stating that “all river basins and dams in Nampula province were already almost full.” This exacerbated the already precarious situation.
Historically, Mozambique has endured catastrophic cyclones, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 600 fatalities. However, meteorologists have recently recorded a significant rise in the frequency of cyclones in the region. The country formerly experienced between six to seven tropical storms each decade, yet over the last six seasons, the count has already reached 10.
Langlade, a meteorologist, suggests that rising ocean temperatures in the Mozambique Channel may contribute to this trend. Warmer oceanic conditions provide the necessary energy to intensify storms, leading to more frequent and powerful cyclones. Across the southwestern Indian Ocean, a staggering eight of the 11 recorded tropical storms this season have achieved full cyclone intensity, a ratio far exceeding the historical average of approximately 50 percent.
While it remains uncertain whether this increase in cyclone activity represents a long-term fluctuation or a consequence of climate change, the effects are undeniably severe. Experts advocate that Mozambique must prioritize investments in disaster preparedness and infrastructure to enhance resilience against future storms. Taylor highlighted UNICEF’s initiative to construct over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms in the country, underscoring the critical need for adaptation. He asserted, “It really makes the case for investing in resilience… since it just gets knocked down time and time again.”
As the cyclone season is ongoing, Mozambique’s future remains uncertain, prompting aid organizations to prepare for the likelihood of further storms.
In summary, Mozambique is currently grappling with a heightened cyclone crisis due to the occurrence of three severe storms within a short timeframe. The destruction caused by Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude has left thousands displaced, stressing humanitarian resources further. Experts emphasize the need for increased investment in disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of ongoing and future storms, underscoring the urgency of adapting to climate-related challenges in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
