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How Tropical Cyclone Eloise Impacted the Economy of Mozambique

How Tropical Cyclone Eloise Impacted the Economy of Mozambique Tropical Cyclone Eloise devastated Mozambique in January 2021, leaving behind extensive damage and having an effect on the nation’s economy. Less than two years after Cyclone Idai, Eloise made landfall, further complicating the situation for Mozambicans and their government.

In a nation where nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, the storm severely devastated vital infrastructure, farms, and hundreds of homes. As a result, the economy of the nation was severely impacted. Following the hurricane, there was an increase in the demand for immediate humanitarian aid, with an estimated 250,000 people—including 130,000 children—likely in need. UNICEF has played a vital role in the disaster response, offering immediate aid to the affected communities and supporting the healing process. The economic effects of Tropical Cyclone Eloise are covered in this essay, along with the crucial role UNICEF has played in reducing these effects and assisting with recovery efforts.

How Tropical Cyclone Eloise Impacted the Economy of Mozambique

Mozambique’s economy was significantly impacted by tropical cyclone Eloise in January 2021, primarily through the following channels:

Agricultural Losses: The cyclone led to the flooding of tens of thousands of hectares of crops, which could significantly impact the next harvest in April. This could potentially lead to food shortages and higher food prices, affecting food security and increasing the cost of living for many families. In the longer term, these agricultural losses could lead to reduced agricultural output and productivity, impacting the rural economy and potentially leading to an increase in rural-urban migration.
Infrastructure Damage: The storm damaged and destroyed vital infrastructure, including roads, which could have significant economic implications. Damaged roads can disrupt transportation and trade, hindering economic activity and potentially leading to increases in commodity prices. The cost of repairing or replacing the damaged infrastructure could also place a significant burden on the government’s budget.
Housing Destruction: Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm, displacing many families. The cost of repairing or rebuilding these homes could be significant, and many families may not have the resources to do so. This could potentially lead to an increase in homelessness and poverty.
Disruption of Services: The cyclone disrupted basic services, affecting families’ access to healthcare, safe drinking water, and other essential services. The cost of restoring these services could be substantial, and the disruption could have significant social and economic impacts, including potential increases in disease and mortality, decreased productivity, and reduced quality of life.
Increase in Humanitarian Needs: The cyclone has increased the need for humanitarian assistance, with around 250,000 people, including 130,000 children, likely to need help. Providing this assistance could require significant resources, potentially diverting funds from other areas of the economy.

Given that almost half of the population was already living in poverty before the cyclone hit, these economic effects are likely to be very severe. The effects of prior shocks like Cyclone Idai, the economic slowdown brought on by COVID-19, and the ongoing violence in Cabo Delgado have all contributed to the country’s growing economic vulnerability.

UNICEF’s Response

When it comes to the response to Cyclone Eloise, UNICEF has been instrumental in reducing some of its economic effects by offering early assistance and support to the impacted people. In order to stop the spread of waterborne infections, this entails offering shelter, medical equipment, hygiene kits, and clean drinking water. UNICEF is assisting in the recovery effort and averting further economic decline by providing for these urgent needs. Longer term, UNICEF’s efforts to identify needs, give priority to assistance, and safeguard children can aid in the nation’s social and economic recovery.

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