Mozambique has faced three cyclones in three months, leading to widespread devastation and displacement. The storms have overwhelmed humanitarian resources and raised alarms about their increasing frequency. Meteorologists suggest that warmer ocean temperatures could be contributing to these extreme weather patterns. There is an urgent need for the country to invest in disaster preparedness and infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable populations against future cyclones.
Mozambique recently experienced a devastating series of three cyclones within a span of three months, significantly impacting one of the world’s most impoverished regions. Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have displaced thousands of residents and overwhelmed humanitarian resources, raising concerns about the increasingly frequent nature of such weather events in the region. Experts note that extreme weather occurrences are becoming a troubling standard in Mozambique.
Typically, Mozambique’s cyclone season spans from November to April; however, this year has been marked by particularly severe activity. Cyclone Chido struck in mid-December, resulting in at least 120 fatalities in Mayotte before making its way to Mozambique. Cyclone Dikeledi followed in January, claiming five lives, and Cyclone Jude recently wreaked havoc with winds reaching 195 km/h (120 mph), leading to at least 16 casualties and the destruction of over 40,000 homes. According to the UN, Cyclone Jude has affected around 420,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Cyclones Jude and Dikeledi both made landfall in Nampula province, approximately 1,400 km (870 miles) north of the capital, Maputo, while Cyclone Chido hit just 200 km further north. Humanitarian workers are raising alarms that repeated disasters are impeding recovery efforts for communities already grappling with the effects from earlier storms. Vulnerable populations, particularly in remote regions, face significant challenges from consecutive climate shocks.
According to Guy Taylor, a spokesperson for UNICEF in Mozambique, the region was ill-prepared for Cyclone Jude, as river basins and dams in Nampula province were already near capacity. This situation exacerbated the impact of the storm, and the ongoing cyclonic activity has further depleted emergency supplies. Mozambique has historically faced severe storms, notably Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 600 deaths, but meteorological evidence indicates an increase in cyclone frequency.
In the past, Mozambique experienced six to seven tropical storms per decade; however, the last six seasons alone have seen ten storms. Langlade proposed that rising ocean temperatures in the Mozambique Channel are a contributing factor, suggesting that warmer waters are propelling cyclones to be stronger and more frequent. Within the southwestern Indian Ocean, an unusual 8 out of 11 recorded tropical storms this season reached cyclone intensity, far exceeding the usual 50% ratio.
While the cause of this increase in cyclonic events is still under investigation—considering both natural fluctuations and potential climate change impacts—experts concur that Mozambique’s investment in disaster preparedness and infrastructure is crucial for resilience against future storms. Taylor highlighted UNICEF’s efforts in constructing more than 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms, emphasizing that such initiatives are vital for saving lives. With ongoing cyclone threats, Mozambique’s future remains uncertain, as aid organizations prepare for the likely emergence of new storms.
In summary, Mozambique is grappling with an unprecedented series of cyclones that have displaced thousands and devastated communities. The increasing intensity and frequency of these storms raise serious concerns about the region’s climate resilience. Experts emphasize the need for enhanced investment in disaster preparedness and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future cyclones, as Mozambique faces an uncertain future amidst ongoing climatic challenges.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
