Cyclone Alfred, impacting Mozambique and Malawi in March 2025, exposed the ongoing failure to address the root causes of vulnerability to extreme weather events in the region. Despite the devastating floods of 2022 that displaced millions and highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness, little has been done to mitigate the impact of future cyclones.
The article argues that the inadequate response to Cyclone Alfred reflects a broader political and economic crisis within these countries. The lack of resources, crumbling infrastructure, and inadequate disaster response systems are attributed to a combination of factors including corruption, mismanagement, and the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonialism, which have perpetuated poverty and inequality.
The article criticizes the ruling elites for prioritizing their own interests over the needs of the population, pointing to the failure to invest in essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Aid from international organizations and developed countries is often insufficient and slow to arrive, further exacerbating the crisis. The article emphasizes the need for fundamental social and economic change to address the underlying vulnerabilities that make populations susceptible to the devastating impacts of climate change.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/20/gyyo-m20.html