Natural Hazards in Mozambique
Mozambique faces multiple severe natural hazards due to its long Indian Ocean coastline and geography:
- Tropical Cyclones: Frequent, devastating (Idai 2019, Kenneth 2019, Eloise 2021). Cause wind damage, storm surge, flooding.
- Floods: From cyclone rains or seasonal deluges; destroy crops, infrastructure, displace thousands.
- Droughts: Recurrent in interior; cause crop failure, water scarcity, food insecurity.
- Wildfires: Common in dry season; damage forests, farms, property.
- Earthquakes: Occasional seismic activity; major quakes rare but potentially destructive.
- Climate Change Amplification: Rising seas worsen coastal flooding; more intense cyclones and erratic rainfall increase vulnerability.
These hazards compound poverty and challenge development. Early warning systems and resilience building are critical.