Cyclone Cluster in Mozambique Raises Alarm Over Increased Frequency and Response Needs

Mozambique faces a humanitarian crisis following three cyclones in three months, devastating local communities and raising concerns about climate change. Experts emphasize the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the region, urging for enhanced preparedness to address these challenges.

Mozambique has recently experienced three cyclones within a three-month period, raising concerns among experts regarding the possibility of these events becoming a regular occurrence in this impoverished region. The occurrence of these cyclones has significantly impacted local communities, causing extensive destruction and displacing numerous residents, prompting aid organizations to react to the escalating crises.

Sebastien Langlade, chief cyclone forecaster at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, remarked on the dire situation, stating, “Mozambique is experiencing a truly bad series of cyclonic impacts.” The cyclone season, which typically runs from November to April, commenced with Cyclone Chido in mid-December, resulting in at least 120 fatalities and subsequently impacting areas in Mayotte. Following Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi struck in January, leading to five more deaths, and Cyclone Jude landed shortly afterward, bringing destructive winds and resulting in 16 fatalities in Mozambique and damaging over 40,000 homes.

The series of cyclones has adversely affected around 420,000 people across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique, as reported by the United Nations. Jude and Dikeledi made landfall nearly simultaneously in Nampula province, compounding the devastation in a region already vulnerable to natural disasters. Naemi Heita, leader of the Red Cross delegation in Maputo, described the situation as a “double tragedy” due to the lack of recovery time for affected communities.

GUY Taylor, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Mozambique, highlighted the challenges faced by the impoverished communities, noting that they are ill-equipped to endure such natural catastrophes. By the time Cyclone Jude occurred, the river basins and dams in Nampula province were already nearing capacity, further exacerbating the situation. The recurrent storms have also placed significant strain on the resources of international aid organizations, which are struggling to keep up with the demand for assistance.

Despite the relatively lower death toll from this season’s cyclones compared to past incidents, experts are noting an alarming increase in the frequency of cyclonic events. Mozambique has experienced eight cyclones since 2019, according to Langlade, marking an unprecedented shift in the region’s climatic history. Historically, the frequency of cyclonic events averaged between six to seven per decade, yet recent seasons have recorded ten occurrences within six years.

The warming waters of the Mozambique Channel may contribute to the enhanced cyclone activity in the region, which fuels these natural disasters. Additionally, this season, eight of the eleven recorded tropical storms escalated to cyclone intensity, exceeding the typical ratio of 50 percent. Langlade stated, “Is this simply a natural long-term fluctuation or is it a response to climate change? It is still too early to tell.”

In response to the increasing risks, Taylor advocates for greater investment in resilience and preparedness initiatives. UNICEF has constructed over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms in Mozambique, demonstrating the importance of proactive measures. Investing in preparedness, according to Taylor, is crucial for saving lives during future disasters and preventing recurrent infrastructure destruction.

The recent cluster of cyclones in Mozambique underscores a critical humanitarian crisis, revealing the vulnerabilities of communities already struggling with poverty. Experts are raising alarms about the increasing frequency and intensity of these storms, which may be indicative of broader climate change issues. There is a pressing need for investment in disaster preparedness and resilience to protect rural communities from future catastrophes while ensuring effective aid distribution.

Original Source: www.france24.com