Mozambique has faced three cyclones in three months, raising concerns about changing weather patterns. The storms have caused significant destruction and displacement, with aid organizations struggling to cope with the increasing frequency of such disasters. Experts warn of a potential new norm in cyclone activity, prompting calls for greater resilience and preparedness efforts.
In Mozambique, a worrying cluster of three cyclones within three months has raised alarms regarding the potential normalization of such extreme weather events. This series of cyclones, which struck an already impoverished region, displaced thousands and caused widespread destruction to homes, igniting concerns over the future frequency and intensity of similar disasters.
The First cyclone, Chido, hit in mid-December 2022, causing over 120 fatalities after impacting Mayotte. It was followed by Dikeledi in January, which resulted in five deaths. Subsequently, cyclone Jude struck with wind speeds of up to 195 kilometers per hour, leading to at least 16 fatalities in Mozambique and affecting around 420,000 individuals in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.
The overlapping paths of Jude and Dikeledi in Nampula province hinder recovery efforts for communities that had not fully recuperated from previous cyclones. As Naemi Heita of the Red Cross noted, “This is double tragedy. These are communities that did not have an opportunity to recover from the first cyclone.” UNICEF emphasized that the vulnerable populations in the area are ill-equipped to endure such disasters.
Aid organizations are under increasing pressure as the frequency of these cyclones depletes supplies and hampers response capacity. Guy Taylor from UNICEF articulated concerns about resource depletion, stating, “After one cyclone, two cyclones, three cyclones, you start to run out.” Heita acknowledged the necessity of investing in preparedness in light of increasing disaster frequency and intensity.
Historically, central Mozambique has faced extreme weather, with previous events such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 claiming over 600 lives. However, since 2019, Mozambique has experienced an unprecedented eight cyclones. Meteorologist Sebastien Langlade highlighted this trend, noting that over the last six seasons, ten cyclones or tropical storms had occurred, compared to the six to seven events previously seen in a decade.
Warming waters in the Mozambique Channel are contributing to the cyclonic activity, resulting in an abnormal rate of tropical storms reaching cyclone intensity this season. The uncertainty lies in whether this marks a natural fluctuation or is indicative of climate change effects. Regardless, adaptation and preparedness are deemed crucial, as evidenced by UNICEF’s efforts to construct cyclone-resistant classrooms in Mozambique.
The recent cluster of cyclones in Mozambique highlights an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, raising fears about their future normalization. The ongoing disaster strains local communities’ resilience and places additional pressure on international aid efforts. Emphasizing preparedness and adaptation strategies is essential for mitigating the impact of such recurring catastrophes and ensuring the safety and stability of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
