Secondary: Cholera outbreak from contaminated floodwater · long-term food insecurity
Why the impacts were so severe — LIC factors
Mozambique is one of the world's poorest countries — buildings were not cyclone-resistant
Limited early warning systems and communication infrastructure
Poor road network made evacuation and rescue difficult
Low government capacity to respond — relied heavily on international aid (UN, Red Cross)
Pre-existing poverty meant communities had no savings to recover from losses
Exam questions — 3 questions · 12 marks
⚡ Geography exam tip: Always use named examples with specific data. "An earthquake in Nepal" scores fewer marks than "The 2015 Nepal earthquake (magnitude 7.9, 9,000 deaths)." Learn the statistics on this page.
1 markCyclone formation
Why do tropical cyclones like Cyclone Idai form?
A Cold ocean water cools the air, causing it to sink rapidly
B Warm ocean water (26°C+) heats air which rises rapidly, forming intense low pressure and rotating winds
C They form at plate boundaries when tectonic activity heats the ocean
D Cold polar air meets warm equatorial air, creating a storm
4 marksSocial and environmental impacts
Describe the social and environmental impacts of Cyclone Idai on Mozambique. Use specific statistics. (4 marks)
Hint: Cover both social AND environmental impacts. Use specific numbers (1,300 deaths, 3 million affected, 600mm rain, 4m surge).
+40 XP
4 marksLIC vs HIC response
Explain why Cyclone Idai caused more damage in Mozambique than a similar storm would cause in a HIC. (4 marks)
Hint: For each point contrast what Mozambique lacked with what a HIC would have. Cover buildings, warnings, infrastructure, government capacity.