Heavy rain batters southern Africa, with climate change to blame

A recent series of rainstorms have hit southern Africa continuously since the start of this year, with the blame being thrust on climate change.

That’s according to a report by the World Weather Attribution group, claiming that not only was the frequency of these storms increasing but also the level of damage being inflicted.

The scientists revealed that in just six weeks, the southern part of the continent was subjected to three cyclones and two tropical storms.

These impacted more than one million people, with 230 reported dead – due to flooding.

Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique were three countries heavily hit by these perilous storms.

In some cases, flooding was so heavy that roads and bridges were washed away, leading to the deceased’s loved ones having to carry their bodies to funerals themselves.

Due to a lack of long-term data, the scientists did state they could not directly attribute the frequency of rainfall to climate change, however, the intensity of the damage could be linked.

Author in the study, Dr Friederike Otto from Imperial College London, said: “What we can say for sure is, the damages of such storms have become worse.

“Again, we are seeing how the people with the least responsibility for climate change are bearing the brunt of the impacts. Rich countries should honour their commitments and increase much-needed funding for adaptation and for compensating the victims of extreme events driven by climate change.”

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