Tropical Cyclone Chido Strikes Mayotte: A Historic Devastation
Tropical cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with winds over 200 km/h, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The cyclone brought unprecedented rainfall, leading French President Emmanuel Macron to declare national mourning. Despite early warnings, the storm’s direct hit on the island resulted in an emergency response and raised concerns about the impacts of climate change on future cyclones.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on December 14, unleashing winds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h, marking it as the most powerful tempest to impact the region in at least 90 years, as reported by Météo-France. Accompanied by torrential rainfall of 176 mm over just 12 hours and perilous sea conditions with wave heights averaging over 5 meters, Chido wreaked havoc, destroying some of Météo-France’s observation infrastructure and prompting a national mourning declaration by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The cyclone’s devastation led to massive emergency response efforts, as initial assessments indicated potential loss of life for hundreds on an island ill-prepared for such severe tropical storms. Despite timely warnings issued over 50 hours prior, including an amber alert on December 13 and a rare violet alert on December 14, the impact was catastrophic. Chido did not weaken as anticipated while passing Madagascar, and instead made a direct hit on Mayotte before proceeding to Mozambique on December 15, where it continued to deliver heavy rainfall.
Météo-France commented on the unprecedented nature of Chido, indicating, “The impacts of Chido are above all due to its track and the direct hit on Mayotte. This is an extremely rare event not seen for 90 years.” The organization also underscored the uncertainty regarding the influence of climate change on the cyclone’s trajectory and intensity. Looking ahead, the seasonal forecast for the 2024-2025 cyclone season predicts normal to above-normal activity, with an earlier than usual start expected and several tropical systems anticipated to develop in the region.
Tropical cyclones are powerful storm systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, capable of causing significant destruction, especially in regions that are not accustomed to facing such storms. The Indian Ocean region, specifically Mayotte, has historically seen fewer intense cyclones, making the impact of Chido particularly unprecedented. Agencies like Météo-France are responsible for tracking storm developments and issuing warnings, and they play a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with extreme weather. The growing impact of climate change also remains a crucial topic of discussion among meteorological organizations, although its exact role in specific cyclone events remains unclear.
In conclusion, cyclone Chido’s unprecedented impact on Mayotte has raised significant concerns regarding disaster preparedness in regions unaccustomed to such severe tropical storms. The timely warnings provided by Météo-France highlight the importance of emergency response systems, yet the tragic loss of life underscores the vulnerability of informal housing structures. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the forecasting of future cyclone seasons remains crucial for regions at risk in the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: wmo.int
