Mozambican disasters will exacerbate social woes

Outlook

Some 38 people have been killed by Tropical Cyclone Kenneth since it made landfall in northern Cabo Delgado province on April 25. After the second tropical cyclone to hit the country in as many months, the authorities are clamouring to prevent loss of life amid widespread flooding and mudslides.

The impact of the two cyclones has raised concerns over the ability of the government to handle environmental disasters and the state of key infrastructure, and its ability to withstand increased climate change effects. The World Bank estimates that failure to improve climate and disaster risk management and financing could result in climate change-related damage of up to 7.4 billion dollars by 2050.

These twin disasters come just six months before October’s general election, with the ruling FRELIMO under intense pressure amid growing public disenchantment at corruption, economic malaise and worsening authoritarianism.

Impacts

• Concerns will rise over the ability of the authorities to hold credible polls in October.
• Slow disaster response and reconstruction efforts in Cabo Delgado could facilitate increased terrorist recruitment.
• Kenneth will have major economic impacts for neighbouring Comoros.