Mozambique Cyclone Crisis: Storm Frequency and Humanitarian Challenges

Mozambique is suffering from an unprecedented cyclone crisis, with three cyclones impacting the region in just three months. The increasing frequency of these storms has heightened concerns among experts, prompting calls for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. The humanitarian situation in Mozambique is dire as communities struggle to recover from repeated climate shocks, leading organizations to stress the necessity for investment in resilience measures.

Mozambique is currently grappling with an escalating cyclone crisis, having endured three significant cyclones—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—in a span of just three months. These extreme weather events have severely impacted one of the world’s poorest regions, displacing thousands and straining the capabilities of humanitarian organizations. Experts express concern over the increasing frequency of such cyclones, indicating they may soon become the norm in the region.

Traditionally, Mozambique’s cyclone season runs from November to April, but this year has been particularly severe. Cyclone Chido hit mid-December, resulting in at least 120 fatalities and significant destruction in Mayotte before affecting Mozambique. Subsequently, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in January, leading to five reported deaths.

Recently, Cyclone Jude delivered devastating wind speeds of up to 195 km/h (120 mph), causing extensive destruction. It resulted in at least 16 deaths in Mozambique and left over 40,000 homes in ruins. The United Nations approximates that Jude displaced around 420,000 individuals across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique. Both Jude and Dikeledi made landfall in close proximity, impacting Nampula province, approximately 1,400 km (870 miles) from the capital, Maputo.

Humanitarian workers emphasize that these recurring disasters are overburdening communities that are already struggling to recover from past storms. The most vulnerable populations of Mozambique, especially those residing in remote areas, are inadequately prepared for these repeated climate shocks. According to Guy Taylor, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Mozambique, the conditions preceding Cyclone Jude—with river basins and dams in Nampula province nearly full—exacerbated the disaster’s impact. These relentless storms are depleting emergency supply reserves as well.

Mozambique has experienced catastrophic storms previously, notably Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 600 deaths. However, experts noted a marked increase in cyclone frequency; data indicates that the nation had six to seven tropical storms per decade until recently, whereas the last six seasons alone recorded 10.

Research indicates that increasing ocean temperatures in the Mozambique Channel could be contributing to this rise, as warmer waters generate more intense cyclones. This season alone, a notable 8 out of 11 tropical storms have reached cyclone intensity—a ratio exceeding normal levels, which typically hover around 50 percent.

Despite uncertainty surrounding whether this trend is a natural fluctuation or a consequence of climate change, the effects are evident. Experts advocate for Mozambique to enhance its disaster preparedness and invest in resilient infrastructure for future storms. Taylor pointed out UNICEF’s initiative to construct over 1,000 cyclone-resistant classrooms in the country, illustrating how such investment can save lives. 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.”

As the cyclone season is still active, Mozambique’s future remains precarious, with aid organizations preparing for the potential of another storm.

In summary, Mozambique is facing a growing crisis due to subsequent cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude, raising alarms about increasing storm frequency linked to climate change. Emergency resources are being stretched thin, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Experts emphasize the urgent need for investment in disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of future cyclones. With the cyclone season ongoing, the situation continues to demand critical humanitarian attention.

Original Source: newscentral.africa