Increasing Cyclone Frequency in Mozambique Raises Concerns over Normalization of Disasters
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In Mozambique, the occurrence of three cyclones within a three-month period has raised concerns regarding the potential normalization of such severe weather patterns. This cluster of cyclones has significantly impacted one of the world’s poorest regions, displacing thousands and overwhelming aid organizations as they respond to repeated disasters that have left tens of thousands of homes destroyed.
Sebastien Langlade, the chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in Reunion, remarked on the severity of the situation, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season, which runs from November to April, began with Cyclone Chido in mid-December, claiming over 120 lives. This was followed by Cyclone Dikeledi in January, resulting in five fatalities, and most recently Cyclone Jude, which struck with winds up to 195 kilometers per hour and caused at least 16 deaths and the destruction of over 40,000 homes.
The impact of these cyclones has affected around 420,000 individuals in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, according to reports from the United Nations. Notably, both Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula Province, only 1,400 kilometers from the capital, Maputo, complicating recovery efforts for communities unprepared for such recurrent disasters. Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Maputo, characterized this situation as a “double tragedy” for affected communities.
The region houses exceptionally vulnerable populations, according to UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor, who stated they are ill-equipped to endure such climatic challenges. By the time Cyclone Jude arrived, river basins and dams in Nampula were already near capacity, increasing the risk of flooding and damage.
Aid organizations are experiencing resource depletion as they respond to the continuous series of cyclones. Taylor noted that, “Supplies become depleted,
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Original Source: www.france24.com
