Mozambique has endured three cyclones in three months, raising concerns over more frequent storms. Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have devastated communities, led to significant loss of life, and strained aid resources. Experts attribute the increase in cyclones to warming waters and highlight the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and resilience strategies.
In Mozambique, a series of three cyclones within three months has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of severe weather events in this impoverished region. These storms have devastated communities and pushed people into crisis, leaving aid organizations strained as they work to provide assistance.
Sebastien Langlade, chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, commented on the dire situation, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season typically runs from November to April, and this year’s first cyclone, Chido, struck in mid-December, resulting in over 120 fatalities. The following cyclones, Dikeledi and Jude, caused additional destruction and loss of life, with Jude’s winds reaching 195 km/h and affecting over 420,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.
The landfalls of Dikeledi and Jude occurred close to each other in Nampula province, exacerbating the disaster’s impact on communities that had yet to recover from previous storms. Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross delegation in Maputo, highlighted the compounded tragedies faced by these communities.
UNICEF’s spokesperson Guy Taylor noted the vulnerability of the affected populations, stating that by the time of Jude’s arrival, river basins and dams were nearly at capacity. He emphasized the strain on international aid organizations, mentioning that supply depletions occur after successive cyclones.
Experts are observing an unprecedented rise in cyclone frequency, with Mozambique experiencing eight significant storms since 2019, compared to previous norms of six to seven over a decade. This increase aligns with the warming waters of the Mozambique Channel, which feeds cyclonic activity.
With eight out of eleven recorded tropical storms achieving cyclone intensity this season, Langlade explained that this ratio exceeds typical expectations, sparking debates about whether this reflects natural fluctuations or climate change.
UNICEF has initiated projects to build cyclone-resistant infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience. Taylor articulated the necessity for investment in adaptation efforts to save lives and minimize disruptions during future cyclones.
The recent cyclone cluster in Mozambique underscores a troubling trend of increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the region. With communities unprepared to face repeated disasters, the capacity of aid organizations is stretched, necessitating a shift toward resilience and preparedness strategies. Addressing the underlying vulnerabilities and enhancing infrastructure is critical to coping with these escalating weather events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
