The recent event regarding tropical cyclone “Freddy” has captivated worldwide attention. Last week, the World Meteorological Organization revealed a spectacular discovery: the cyclone that hit eastern Africa last year turned out to be the longest-lasting cyclone on record, breaking all records with a lifespan of 36 days.
The weather event surpassed the previous record held by Hurricane John, which swept through Hawaii and lasted nearly 30 days in the North Pacific three decades ago. According to the agency, it also covered an impressive distance of almost 12,785 kilometers, making it the second longest cyclone in terms of distance traveled, just behind Hurricane John which covered more than 13,000 kilometers. These figures demonstrate the scale of the tragedy that has befallen the countries of eastern Africa.
Cyclone Freddy left a devastating toll in its wake, with more than 1,200 dead or missing in Malawi and more than 180 deaths in Mozambique, according to WMO. What particularly sets Freddy apart from other weather phenomena is the fact that it has struck these regions several times, causing considerable damage. WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis points out that Freddy has had major impacts on already vulnerable countries, such as Mozambique, Madagascar and Malawi.
This natural disaster is a stark reminder of the devastation that climate change can cause, and underlines the crucial importance of strengthening the resilience of populations in the face of such extreme events. It is imperative that the international community takes action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the most vulnerable populations. The story of Cyclone Freddy reminds us that nature can be both beautiful and fearsome, and that we must learn to respect it and adapt to its unpredictable whims.