Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mayotte
Tropical Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte on December 14, bringing extreme winds over 200 km/h and torrential rainfall, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. The storm was the most powerful in 90 years, and despite timely warnings, the island was unprepared for such an intense event. Chido continued to impact Mozambique and Malawi following its landfall.
On December 14, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h, marking it as the most powerful storm to affect the region in 90 years, according to Météo-France. The cyclone brought torrential rains totaling 176 mm within 12 hours and raised sea levels with waves averaging over 5 meters, resulting in significant destruction to Météo-France’s observation structures and vast damage across the island.
In the aftermath of the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national mourning period. An extensive emergency response was activated following early reports suggesting that hundreds may have perished in the storm, particularly affecting the many residents living in informal housing, which are not built to withstand such severe weather.
Despite accurate forecasts issued 50 hours prior to landfall, including an amber alert on December 13 at 7 AM and a rare violet alert the following morning, the island faced disastrous outcomes. Cyclone Chido followed an unexpected path, avoiding Madagascar—typically a landmass that could weaken storm systems—resulting in a direct and catastrophic impact on Mayotte.
Chido continued its trajectory into Mozambique on December 15 before losing strength, where it also contributed to heavy rainfall in both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France noted that the connection between climate change and the cyclone’s intensity or path remains unclear, stating, “Our current state of knowledge doesn’t allow us to draw any conclusions about the role of climate change on the track of the cyclone and on its intensity.”
Météo-France La Réunion operates as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for Tropical Cyclones in the South-West Indian Ocean. Their seasonal forecast released on October 31 anticipated an early onset to the 2024-2025 cyclone season, predicting nine to thirteen systems, with four to seven potentially reaching tropical cyclone status, a shift from recent patterns that saw storms beginning only in January.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented intensity has resulted in significant devastation in Mayotte, causing a tragic loss of life and extensive property damage. Timely warnings were issued, yet the unique circumstances led to tragic outcomes. The unpredictability of storm tracks and their implications raise concerns about the potential influences of climate change on future cyclones in the region. As forecasting capabilities improve, authorities must remain vigilant and proactive in preparing for similar events that may impact vulnerable communities in the future.
Original Source: wmo.int
