Mozambique’s Intensified Cyclone Crisis: A Call for Preparedness and Resilience
Mozambique has faced three powerful cyclones in three months, leading to widespread devastation and raising concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather. Cyclone Jude recently caused significant destruction, killing at least 16 people and displacing many. Experts warn that the country must strengthen disaster preparedness and infrastructure to cope with future storms amid ongoing climate challenges.
Mozambique has faced significant challenges as it endures three cyclones within just three months, resulting in extensive damage and hardship. The cyclones—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—have particularly affected one of the world’s poorest regions, displacing numerous individuals and straining humanitarian resources. Experts express concerns that the increasing frequency of these extreme weather events may become a standard occurrence in the region.
Typically, Mozambique’s cyclone season spans from November to April, but this year has proven to be exceptionally severe. Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December, resulted in the deaths of at least 120 individuals as it passed through the French territory of Mayotte before reaching Mozambique. In January, Cyclone Dikeledi also caused fatal harm, claiming at least five lives.
Most recently, Cyclone Jude unleashed winds reaching up to 195 km/h (120 mph), inflicting extensive destruction. Authorities have reported at least 16 fatalities in Mozambique and the devastation of over 40,000 homes. Additionally, the United Nations estimates that Jude has impacted approximately 420,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Notably, Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in nearly the same area—Nampula province—while Chido struck about 200 km further north.
Humanitarian workers emphasize that frequent storms are overwhelming communities that are still trying to recover from previous disasters. The most vulnerable populations in Mozambique, particularly those in remote regions, lack the capacity to withstand successive climate shocks. Guy Taylor, a spokesperson for UNICEF in Mozambique, highlighted the precarious situation before Cyclone Jude’s arrival, noting that the river basins and dams in Nampula province were nearly saturated, which exacerbated the disaster. The ongoing series of storms further depletes emergency supplies.
The history of severe storms in Mozambique includes Cyclone Idai in 2019, which was responsible for over 600 fatalities. Recent observations indicate a rising trend in cyclone frequency within the region, contrasting with earlier decades when six to seven tropical storms occurred per decade; in the past six seasons alone, there have been ten storms.
Meteorologist Langlade attributes this rise in cyclone incidents to warmer ocean temperatures in the Mozambique Channel, which enhance cyclonic activity. Evidence shows that eight out of eleven recorded tropical storms this season have reached full cyclone intensity, surpassing the normal rate of 50 percent and exceeding 70 percent this year.
While the reasons behind this increase remain uncertain, the implications for Mozambique are significant. Experts argue that the country must improve disaster preparedness and infrastructure to face future cyclones effectively. Taylor cited UNICEF’s initiative to construct over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms nationwide as an illustration of how resilience-focused investments can save lives. He stated, “It really makes the case for investing in resilience.”
With the cyclone season still in progress, Mozambique braces for further challenges, raising concerns among aid organizations about the potential for yet another storm.
Mozambique is currently grappling with a severe cyclone crisis, marked by three powerful storms in a short span. The recurrence of cyclones poses significant challenges, especially for vulnerable communities struggling to recover. As the nation confronts the consequences of increasing storm frequency, experts stress the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and infrastructure investments. The ongoing situation underscores the urgency to adapt and build resilience against future climate-related events.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
