This article discusses the alarming increase in cyclone activity in Mozambique, with three major storms occurring over three months, leading to significant human and infrastructural losses. Experts express concern over whether this trend signifies a new normal due to climate change. The region’s capacity to cope is severely tested, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and resilience investments.
The recent occurrence of three cyclones in Mozambique within a mere three-month span has raised concerns regarding the increasing severity and frequency of such natural disasters in this impoverished region. Thousands of individuals have been displaced, straining the resources of aid organizations that are already overwhelmed by the destruction of thousands of homes. Experts are now questioning whether these relentless storms may signify a new normal.
Sebastien Langlade, the chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, has noted the severe impact of these climatic phenomena, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season, which typically runs from November through April, began with Cyclone Chido in mid-December, resulting in significant casualties and damage, including the loss of at least 120 lives in Mayotte. Subsequent cyclones, Dikeledi and Jude, have further compounded the challenges, causing fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands.
The geographical region affected, particularly in Nampula, has seen a convergence of destructive storms, leading to what has been described as a “double tragedy” by Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Mozambique. Many communities are unable to recover fully before new disasters strike, highlighting their vulnerability in the face of successive cyclones. The situation is exacerbated by full river basins and dams that contribute to flooding.
As these extreme weather conditions intensify, international organizations find their response capabilities stretched. UNICEF’s spokesperson, Guy Taylor, emphasized that as the frequency of such disasters increases, resources continue to dwindle. More concerning is the lack of corresponding support to assist affected areas, prompting calls for greater investment in disaster preparedness and resilience-building efforts.
Historically, Mozambique has faced devastating storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in extensive loss of life. While this year’s cyclone fatalities were lower than in past occurrences, experts, including Langlade, point to an alarming rise in cyclone occurrences—eight since 2019, compared to an average of six to seven annually a decade ago. This dramatic increase is believed to be partially influenced by rising sea temperatures in the Mozambique Channel, a crucial generator of cyclonic activity.
The trend indicates that this season has produced an higher-than-normal proportion of tropical storms reaching cyclone intensity, suggesting a significant change in weather patterns. This raises critical questions about whether these changes are part of a natural cycle or indicative of climate change-related impacts. There is consensus among experts that adaptation strategies are essential for communities to withstand future disasters effectively. UNICEF has proactively constructed resilient infrastructure, including over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms, demonstrating the importance of investing in preventive measures to save lives and livelihoods.
The cyclonic events in Mozambique reflect a concerning trend of increased frequency and intensity of storms, which could signify a new norm for this impoverished region. The implications of repeated disasters have strained resources and highlighted the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience among vulnerable communities. As experts continue to analyze the driving factors behind these changes, it becomes increasingly clear that investment in infrastructure and response capabilities will be crucial for mitigating future impacts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
