Mozambique hit by tropical storm (again)

Hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique are in urgent need of assistance after Tropical Storm Filipo barrelled into a coastal region of Inhambane province, causing massive destruction to properties and infrastructure with a direct hit on the town of Inhassoro. At least four people were killed after the storm struck in the early hours of 12 March, packing sustained winds of up to 116 km/h and ripping the roofs off homes and businesses. Flooding is now a big risk, with the provinces of Inhambane, Gaza, and Sofala all affected. Because of its long Indian Ocean coastline and its location downstream of nine major river basins, Mozambique is considered among Africa’s most vulnerable nations to climate change, even though it contributes relatively few pollutants. Scientists say global warming has increased the intensity of rainfall during cyclone events, while rising sea levels have increased the impact of coastal flooding on populations. In recent years, it has also been hit by more storms around this time of the year, with each one compounding the effects of the last. According to Oxfam International, the destruction of crops has left some survivors eating wild roots. But there have also been some notable initiatives to help the country adapt to the effects of climate change. Read our November 2021 article to find out more.