Cyclone Chido Ravages Mayotte: A Historic Storm in the Indian Ocean
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido made landfall on Mayotte, causing severe damage with sustained winds of 225 kilometers per hour. Originating in the Indian Ocean, the cyclone impacted other regions including Agaléga and Mozambique. It was deemed the strongest storm to strike Mayotte in over 90 years, resulting in widespread destruction, especially in the capital city.
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck the islands of Mayotte, causing significant destruction across the French territory. This storm, with hurricane-force winds, uprooted trees, downed power lines, and damaged numerous residential structures. Chido originated in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5 and quickly intensified, affecting the Mauritian islands of Agaléga before reaching its peak intensity with winds of approximately 250 kilometers per hour on December 12.
The cyclone moved westward with decreased wind shear and warm sea temperatures, making landfall in northern Mayotte at approximately 225 kilometers per hour on December 14. It was reported as the most powerful storm to impact Mayotte in over ninety years, according to Météo-France, leading to extensive damage in the capital, Mamoudzou, and other regions. After devastating Mayotte, Chido progressed further west, impacting Mozambique on December 15, continuing to carry winds characteristic of a Category 4 tropical cyclone.
Cyclone Chido serves as a grim reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones due to climate change. The storm formed in the Indian Ocean, where conditions were particularly favorable owing to warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear. Such conditions are often precursors to the development of severe weather systems capable of causing extensive damage, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Mayotte.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte has been profound, marking it as a historic weather event in the region. The cyclone exemplifies the escalating threats posed by climate-related phenomena, highlighting the need for greater preparedness and resilience in facing such extreme weather patterns. The devastation inflicted upon infrastructure and communities necessitates a coordinated recovery effort to restore normalcy for the affected populations.
Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov
