Mozambique Confronts Intensifying Cyclone Crisis as Storm Frequency Rises

Mozambique is experiencing a severe cyclone crisis with three major storms occurring within three months, displacing thousands and overwhelming humanitarian resources. Recent cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have led to significant loss of life and destruction. Experts attribute the increased storm frequency to rising ocean temperatures, emphasizing the urgency for enhanced disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in response to changing climate patterns.

Mozambique is currently grappling with an escalating cyclone crisis, having faced three significant cyclones within a three-month span. The devastation wrought by these storms—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—has severely impacted one of the world’s economically disadvantaged regions, resulting in thousands of displaced individuals and stretching the resources of humanitarian organizations. Experts express concern over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region.

Historically, Mozambique’s cyclone season runs from November to April, yet this year’s season has proven particularly severe. Cyclone Chido made landfall in mid-December, resulting in at least 120 fatalities in the French territory of Mayotte before affecting Mozambique. Following Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi struck in January, causing a reported five deaths. Recently, Cyclone Jude unleashed winds reaching up to 195 km/h (120 mph), claiming at least 16 lives in Mozambique and destroying over 40,000 homes, affecting approximately 420,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Both Cyclone Jude and Dikeledi impacted nearly the same area—Nampula province, which is situated approximately 1,400 km (870 miles) from the capital, Maputo—while Cyclone Chido impacted a region just 200 km farther north. Humanitarian workers underscore the compounding strain these repeated disasters place on communities already reeling from prior storms. Vulnerable populations in remote areas of Mozambique are particularly ill-prepared for recurrent climate shocks. Guy Taylor, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Mozambique, highlighted that by the time Cyclone Jude struck, “all river basins and dams in Nampula province were already almost full,” exacerbating the situation. The relentless nature of the storms has resulted in the depletion of emergency supplies.

Mozambique has experienced significant storms in the past, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 600 fatalities. However, there is now a clear observable trend of increasing cyclone frequency in the region. Previously, the country endured six to seven tropical storms every decade. Remarkably, in the last six seasons alone, there have been 10 recorded tropical storms.

Meteorological observations suggest that rising oceanic temperatures in the Mozambique Channel may contribute to the intensity and frequency of cyclones, as warmer waters provide the necessary energy for these storms. Across the southwestern Indian Ocean, eight out of the 11 tropical storms this season have achieved full cyclone status, a figure that significantly exceeds the typical rate of 50 percent. “This ratio is above normal,” noted meteorologist Langlade. Additionally, while the cause of this increase—either a natural fluctuation or climate change—remains uncertain, the effects are considerable.

In response to these challenges, experts emphasize the importance of enhancing disaster preparedness and infrastructural resilience to counter future storms. As an illustrative measure, Taylor pointed to UNICEF’s initiative to construct over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms across Mozambique. He stated, “It really makes the case for investing in resilience. Because if you don’t, it’s almost like not having infrastructure at all—since it just gets knocked down time and time again.” With the ongoing cyclone season, Mozambique’s future remains precarious, as aid organizations continue to prepare for the potential of further storms.

The cyclone crisis in Mozambique underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in light of increasing storm frequency. The recent series of destructive cyclones has revealed the vulnerabilities of the population, particularly in remote areas. Experts advocate for essential investments in resilience-building initiatives to safeguard lives and resources, while the situation continues to evolve with the ongoing cyclone season, signaling an uncertain future for the region.

Original Source: newscentral.africa