Increasing Cyclone Frequency in Mozambique Sparks Calls for Preparedness

Mozambique has faced three cyclones in three months, raising alarms about the increasing frequency of such natural disasters in impoverished regions. The storms have caused significant destruction, leaving thousands in distress and challenging aid organizations. Experts are concerned about the impacts of climate change and stress the need for enhanced preparedness and resilience measures.

Mozambique has experienced a series of three destructive cyclones within three months, raising concerns regarding the increasing frequency of such weather events in one of the world’s poorest regions. The impact of these storms has led to widespread distress among thousands, challenging aid organizations as they strive to assist the affected population.

Sebastien Langlade, chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, remarked on the severity of the situation, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December, resulted in the deaths of over 120 individuals, while Cyclone Dikeledi claimed five lives in January, and Cyclone Jude recently caused at least 16 casualties along with the destruction of more than 40,000 homes.

The United Nations reported that Cyclone Jude, along with Dikeledi, impacted around 420,000 individuals across Mozambique, Madagascar, and Malawi. These cyclones made landfall in close proximity within Nampula province, exacerbating the situation for vulnerable communities that had not yet recovered from previous disasters. Naemi Heita, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Maputo, called this a “double tragedy.”

Guy Taylor, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Mozambique, highlighted the challenges faced by these impoverished communities, which are ill-equipped to cope with such repeated disasters. He noted that by the time Cyclone Jude struck, local river basins and dams were already near capacity, further heightening the risk of flooding.

International aid organizations are facing increased pressure as the frequency of cyclones depletes their resources. Taylor stated, “Supplies become depleted — after one cyclone, two cyclones, three cyclones, you start to run out,” pointing out the disparity between the increasing need and available aid. Heita emphasized the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and investment in community resilience to combat the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters.

Historically, Mozambique has faced severe storms, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 600 fatalities. However, Langlade noted an unprecedented increase in cyclone frequency, with country records indicating eight cyclones since 2019 alone. He explained that previously, an average of six to seven cyclones occurred every decade, but the last six seasons alone have experienced ten such storms.

The warming of waters in the Mozambique Channel may be fueling these intensified storms, with meteorological data indicating that eight of the eleven recorded tropical storms this season reached cyclonic intensity, exceeding typical ratios. Langlade remarked, “This ratio is above normal,” indicating a troubling trend that may reflect both natural variability and the potential impacts of climate change.

UNICEF has initiated projects to enhance infrastructure resilience, including the construction of over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms in Mozambique. Taylor reiterated the importance of preparedness, stating, “It really makes the case for investing in resilience, because if you do not, it is almost like not having infrastructure in some of these places, because it just gets knocked down time and time again.”

The wave of cyclones striking Mozambique highlights a worrying trend of increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather in impoverished regions. With dire implications for local communities and international aid efforts, the necessity for enhanced preparedness and resilience initiatives is underscored. Comprehensive strategies must be developed to mitigate the effects of these disasters and adapt to potential climate change impacts, ensuring communities are better equipped for future challenges.

Original Source: www.france24.com