The world recently witnessed another devastating natural disaster as Cyclone Chido struck Pemba, Mozambique. Residents of the region battled winds reaching speeds of over 220 km/h, wreaking havoc across the southwest Indian Ocean.
The hardest hit province, with a population of nearly 2 million, was Cabo Delgado. Homes, schools, and health facilities were damaged, leaving many families homeless and in disarray.
The images of devastation and destruction in Pemba are heartbreaking, but despite the loss, there is a glimmer of hope through the reconstruction and humanitarian efforts that have been put in place. Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate the displaced, while many residents are valiantly tackling the task of rebuilding what was destroyed.
However, many challenges remain for the affected communities. Local authorities are particularly concerned about the imminent risk of landslides and are warning that schools and health services will be cut off for weeks.
This natural disaster is a stark reminder that the South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, which runs from December to March, is a vulnerable time for many parts of southern Africa. Cyclones Idai and Freddy, which preceded Chido, also left a heavy toll of destruction and loss of life.
Not only do these violent storms cause significant property damage, they also have devastating health consequences. Flooding and landslides often leave populations exposed to water-borne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever and malaria.
As countries in southern Africa grapple with these natural disasters, it is important to recognize that climate change is playing a major role in intensifying storms. The least developed and most affected countries are often the least responsible for this global phenomenon, but suffer its terrible consequences.
It is essential to strengthen prevention and adaptation measures, as well as to support affected communities in their reconstruction. International solidarity and collective action are needed to protect vulnerable populations and prevent future tragedies.
Together, through resilience and solidarity, we can overcome the challenges caused by natural disasters and build a safer and more sustainable future for all.