Cyclone Chido caused extensive damage in northern Mozambique, displacing thousands and highlighting a trend of increasing cyclone frequency due to climate change. With severe impacts in Malawi and Mozambique from previous storms, there are growing concerns regarding immediate humanitarian needs and long-term implications for health and education. Enhanced preparedness has been noted, but greater international support is essential to build resilience against future climate challenges.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across northern Mozambique, following its path through the Indian Ocean after making landfall on December 15. With winds reaching up to 260 km/h, the storm has displaced thousands in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, compounding the climate-related challenges faced by the region. This is part of a troubling pattern of severe weather events intensified by climate change. Previous cyclones, such as Freddy in 2023 and Idai in 2019, have similarly devastated Malawi and Mozambique, highlighting an alarming increase in cyclone frequency in southern Africa.
Climate experts, including Lucy Mtilatila from Malawi’s Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, attribute these phenomena to the rising temperatures of Indian Ocean waters, which create ideal conditions for cyclone formation. Mtilatila noted the stark contrast between past and present occurrences of cyclones, stating that such weather patterns used to be rare, now happening with alarming regularity. The immediate impacts of Chido include two fatalities and extensive infrastructural damage, alongside an escalating humanitarian crisis.
Organizations like UNICEF are responding quickly to the crisis, although concerns about longer-term implications are pronounced. Guy Taylor, a UNICEF representative in Mozambique, articulated worries about disruptions in education and potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases resulting from the cyclone’s aftermath. The urgency of immediate relief efforts coincides with ongoing assessments of damage, particularly in areas like Pemba, which has experienced extreme flooding.
Malawi and Mozambique are still in recovery mode from previous storms, with the infrastructure facing backlash from Cyclone Chido’s intensifying winds and rain. The National Institute for Meteorology reported over 250 millimeters of rainfall within a single day. Efforts are underway to establish emergency shelters for displaced populations, emphasizing the need for timely evaluations to ascertain the full extent of damage incurred.
Both nations have demonstrated improved preparedness in anticipation of cyclone threats. Mtilatila noted effective coordination among various sectors including healthcare and education, which has improved since Cyclone Freddy’s impact in 2023. However, continuous investment in resilient infrastructure and community planning is essential to enhance future disaster responses.
As the Malawian government pre-emptively ordered food and relief supplies to mitigate pre-existing vulnerabilities, the balance of long-term agricultural sustainability remains crucial. Mtilatila highlighted the adverse impacts of fluctuating yields aggravated by climate conditions, signaling an urgent need for international support in building resilience against climate challenges. In her closing remarks, she stated, “As we are being impacted by these cyclones, we are learning a lot. So, as we are building back, we do it better so that we should not make ourselves vulnerable.”
The overarching message is clear: as weather patterns continue to worsen due to climate change, concerted efforts to provide immediate relief alongside sustainable recovery strategies are imperative for resilience in Mozambique and Malawi.
In recent years, Mozambique and Malawi have witnessed a series of devastating cyclones, largely attributed to changing climate patterns. Cyclone Chido is a recent example, following a trend of increased storm activity in the region. Southern Africa faces heightened risks from climate change, manifesting as extreme weather events that threaten lives and livelihoods. The ongoing humanitarian issues in these countries reflect a dual crisis of ecological changes and socioeconomic challenges, necessitating immediate and long-term responses to improve infrastructure resilience and community preparedness.
The rising frequency and intensity of cyclones in southern Africa pose significant challenges for Mozambique and Malawi, necessitating urgent action and support. Cyclone Chido has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, causing immediate harm and long-term repercussions on infrastructure and public health. While both nations have demonstrated improved preparedness, the call for greater international assistance and investment in resilient practices remains critical. All parties must collaborate to address the root causes of vulnerability and adapt to the realities of climate change in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
