Mozambique is experiencing a series of devastating cyclones, raising fears of increased storm frequency and intensity due to climate change. Aid organizations struggle to provide relief as the storms, including Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude, have caused widespread destruction and fatalities. Experts warn that the region may face an unprecedented number of cyclonic events, necessitating improved preparedness and resilience efforts.
Mozambique has faced an unprecedented situation with three cyclones occurring within three months, displacing thousands and intensifying concerns over future storm frequencies. This string of cyclonic events has overwhelmed humanitarian efforts, as the disasters have devastated tens of thousands of homes, creating immediate needs for relief in already impoverished communities.
Sebastien Langlade, chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclones began with Chido in mid-December, causing at least 120 fatalities and impacting the French territory of Mayotte. This was followed by Dikeledi in January, which resulted in five deaths, and Jude, which recently struck with winds reaching 195 km/h, killing at least 16 individuals and damaging over 40,000 homes.
The cumulative effects of these cyclones have disrupted communities that had not fully recovered from previous disasters. Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross delegation in Maputo, referred to this as a “double tragedy.” Guy Taylor from UNICEF noted that these vulnerable communities are ill-equipped to deal with such severe disruptions, especially considering that river basins and dams were already nearly full by the time Jude made landfall.
The repeated nature of these cyclones has strained international aid organizations as resources dwindle. Taylor highlighted, “Supplies become depleted — after one cyclone, two cyclones, three cyclones, you start to run out.” Heita further expressed concern over the increasing number and intensity of these disasters, indicating a dire need for enhanced preparedness.
The cyclone season this year has seen an alarming rise in storm occurrences, with eight cyclones hitting Mozambique since 2019, a significant increase from the historical average of six to seven events per decade. Langlade pointed out the unprecedented nature of this pattern, urging attention to the warming waters of the Mozambique Channel, which may contribute to enhanced cyclonic activity.
Area-specific storms have shown a significant uptick in intensity, with an unusually high ratio of recorded tropical storms achieving cyclone status, exceeding the typical rate of 50%. Experts are cautious, weighing whether this trend is due to natural variability or driven by climate change. Taylor highlighted the importance of adaptation, noting UNICEF’s initiatives in constructing durable classrooms to withstand cyclonic forces, advocating a strong case for investing in resilience and preparedness to mitigate the impact of future storms.
The recent cyclones in Mozambique present a grim yet revealing picture of the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters in the region. Aid organizations face immense challenges as resources are strained, while communities remain vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure. Investing in preparedness and adaptive measures is crucial for enhancing resilience, suggesting a pressing need for strategic action in response to climate threats.
Original Source: www.france24.com
