Cyclone Freddy hits Mozambique again

By Phephile Motau

Record-breaking Cyclone Freddy has once again hit Mozambique, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and flooding.

According to the BBC, Mozambique has received more than a year’s worth of rainfall in the past four weeks. Cyclone Freddy may become the longest-lasting storm on record, having formed to the north-west of
Australia 34 days ago.

The death toll has risen to 28 as one person is reported to have died after a house collapsed. The cyclone made its second landfall near the eastern seaport of Quelimane at around 10 pm on Saturday and areas are already flooded.

Read More: Record-breaking Cyclone Freddy charges towards Mozambique again

The BBC said people have been urged to move into temporary shelters – including schools, churches and warehouses. Mozambican disaster agents said more than half a million people could be at risk of a humanitarian crisis this time around.

It was reported that electricity has been turned off as a precaution by the power utility firm and all flights have been suspended, according to TVM. The cyclone is reported to have stalled offshore and is thought to be making its way onto land soon.

Experts say climate change is making tropical storms around the world wetter, windier and more intense. Freddy had already broken records for the strength it has accumulated over the 8 000-km paths it travelled across the Indian Ocean for north-western Australia.

Read More: Livestock destocking a solution to drought crisis 

Mozambique’s national disaster management agency estimates more than 1.5 million people have been affected since the storm first hit last month, with more than 8 000 forced from their homes.

A humanitarian operation is underway in the region, but there are fears that aid efforts may be hampered by new heavy rains from Freddy’s return.

Malawi which is battling a cholera outbreak – is also set to be affected. Weather experts predict the cyclone will bring destructive winds and extreme rainfall over large areas, including north-east Zimbabwe as well as south-east Zambia.