After Idai: Insights from Mozambique for Climate Resilient Coastal Infrastructure

The document examines the impacts of Cyclone Idai, Tropical Storm Chalane, and Cyclone Eloise on Mozambique, specifically the city of Beira. It analyzes the role of green and grey infrastructure in disaster mitigation, evaluates the 'Building Beira Back Better' (BBBB) strategy, and highlights the critical need for improved early warning systems and sustainable waste management to maintain urban drainage functionality.

• Cyclone Idai caused extensive damage in Mozambique, with infrastructure losses estimated at $796 million and production sector losses reaching $986 million. The storm affected over 1.5 million people and killed more than 600 individuals across the provinces of Zambezia, Tete, Manica, Sofala, and Inhambane.
• Natural ecosystems in the Beira region suffered significant degradation from Cyclone Idai. Specifically, 2,371 hectares of mangroves were affected across Beira, Dondo, and Buzi due to defoliation, root burial, and subsequent logging for fuelwood and timber.
• The early warning system during Cyclone Idai failed to communicate the unprecedented severity of the event, as messages did not distinguish between typical wind speeds (60 km/h) and the expected 180 km/h winds. Additionally, flooding risks were underestimated because rainfall occurred in Zimbabwe, leaving downstream Mozambican communities unaware until too late.
• The integration of green and grey infrastructure, such as the rehabilitation of the Chiveve River channel and the creation of nature-based retention basins, proved effective during Cyclone Idai by facilitating water flow to the sea. However, the system's efficiency was later reduced by solid waste clogging the channels.
• The 'Building Beira Back Better' (BBBB) recovery plan focuses on three pillars: community well-being and socio-economics, critical infrastructure, and cross-cutting issues. The plan emphasizes nature-based solutions (NbS) for coastal protection and the construction of resilient housing.
• Implementation of reconstruction efforts in Beira is severely hindered by financial constraints and social challenges. Only about 25% of the estimated $888 million required for the BBBB programme has been provided by donors, and between 92,500 and 104,000 people remain in makeshift camps.

APA

MACAMO, C. (2021). After Idai: Insights from Mozambique for Climate Resilient Coastal Infrastructure. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Policy-Insights-110-macamo.pdf

Chicago

MACAMO, CÉLIA. After Idai: Insights from Mozambique for Climate Resilient Coastal Infrastructure. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2021. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Policy-Insights-110-macamo.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=MACAMO |first1=CÉLIA |title=After Idai: Insights from Mozambique for Climate Resilient Coastal Infrastructure |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=June 2021 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Policy-Insights-110-macamo.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{macamo2021after, author = {MACAMO, CÉLIA}, title = {{After Idai: Insights from Mozambique for Climate Resilient Coastal Infrastructure}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2021}, month = jun, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Policy-Insights-110-macamo.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }