Six years after Cyclone Idai ravaged Beira, the city continues to grapple with both physical and psychological scars left by the disaster. As new storms loom, residents face an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety, perpetuated by the memory of devastation and loss from past cyclones. Journalist Sean Christie reports on the plight of a community that exists in a perpetual state of crisis, accentuated by the toll that such disasters take on mental health.

Cyclone Idai, which struck in March 2019, claimed over 500 lives and obliterated infrastructure in Beira, leaving its people to cope with the trauma that remains fresh in their minds. The situation has been exacerbated by a series of cyclones and tropical storms over the past decade, resulting in over a thousand fatalities and contributing to the rise of related health issues, including malaria and other communicable diseases. This relentless cycle of natural disasters has left survivors in a mental bind, caught between recovery and anticipation of the next climate crisis.

Despite the growing acknowledgment of the connection between flooding and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Mozambique lacks comprehensive data on mental health issues linked to such catastrophes. The absence of reliable statistics complicates efforts to address the mental health crisis, leaving many residents in need of support without the proper resources or recognition. The resilience of Beira’s people is accompanied by an invisible burden that underscores the urgent need for mental health awareness and intervention in the face of ongoing climate challenges.