Tropical Cyclone Chido Strikes Mayotte, Causing Catastrophic Damage
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with wind speeds over 200 km/h, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. Despite advance warnings from Météo-France, the cyclone resulted in heavy rainfall and significant structural damage. Following its impact on Mayotte, Chido continued to affect neighboring Mozambique and Malawi, while discussions around its track and intensity regarding climate change persist.
On December 14, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, unleashing winds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h, marking it as the most powerful storm to impact the island in nearly a century, according to Météo-France. Accompanied by torrential rainfall—176 mm within 12 hours—and perilously high waves averaging above 5 meters, the cyclone’s intensity resulted in the destruction of some of Météo-France’s observational facilities. In response to the devastation, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national day of mourning and deployed extensive emergency relief efforts, as preliminary reports indicated that hundreds of lives may have been lost in a region unaccustomed to such severe tropical cyclones, particularly among its informal housing population.
Despite Météo-France issuing timely alerts—an amber alert on December 13 at 7 AM, a red alert later that day, and a rarely utilized violet alert on December 14 at 7 AM—the loss of life was significant. Demonstrating an unusual trajectory, Chido navigated around Madagascar, evading potential weakening before making a direct hit on Mayotte. Following its impact on the island, Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, subsequently diminishing but bringing heavy rainfall to both Mozambique and Malawi.
Météo-France commented on the event’s rarity, stating, “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.” They further indicated the uncertainty surrounding the influence of climate change, asserting that their current understanding does not permit definitive conclusions regarding the cyclone’s path or intensity. The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for the South-West Indian Ocean highlighted that its seasonal forecast, announced on October 31, had anticipated an early cyclone season, projecting a normal to above-normal cyclone activity for the 2024-2025 season, predicting 9 to 13 systems, with 4 to 7 potentially reaching tropical cyclone classification.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant meteorological event in the Indian Ocean, particularly impacting Mayotte through unprecedented winds and rainfall. The cyclone’s strength and trajectory raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability and preparedness for extreme weather. Mayotte, a small island community, is not typically accustomed to such powerful storms, leading to a devastating toll on its population and infrastructure. Local meteorological authorities provided warnings ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, emphasizing the importance of timely information in mitigating disaster impacts. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns globally, discussions surrounding this event may shed light on broader environmental issues affecting tropical cyclone behavior.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido inflicted catastrophic damage on Mayotte, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The cyclone serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by isolated communities in the face of climate-related disasters. While timely warnings were issued, the unprecedented nature of the storm highlights the need for enhanced preparedness and response strategies in the region. The ongoing analysis of such events may inform future climate resilience efforts and deepen our understanding of the dynamics of tropical cyclones in the context of climate change.
Original Source: wmo.int
