Tropical Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: A Historic Natural Disaster
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, bringing winds over 200 km/h and torrential rains, causing widespread devastation and a tragic loss of life. Despite timely warnings, emergency responders faced significant challenges due to the storm’s intensity and the island’s vulnerability. The cyclone also made landfall in Mozambique post-Mayotte, leading to further rainfall impacts in the region.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on December 14, unleashing wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, with gusts surpassing 225 kilometers per hour. According to Météo-France, this cyclone was the most powerful storm to impact Mayotte in nearly 90 years. Accompanying the winds were torrential rains, which resulted in 176 millimeters of precipitation within a 12-hour period, alongside dangerous wave heights reaching more than five meters. The cyclone’s intensity resulted in the destruction of some of Météo-France’s observational facilities.
In the wake of this disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a period of national mourning. An extensive emergency and relief operation was swiftly organized, as initial assessments suggested that hundreds of individuals may have perished on the island, which is not accustomed to such severe tropical cyclones, especially given the prevalence of informal housing structures. The high loss of life occurred despite timely warnings issued by Météo-France over 50 hours prior to the cyclone’s landfall. An amber alert was declared on December 13 at 7 AM local time, escalating to a red alert that same evening, and eventually a rare violet alert on December 14 at 7 AM.
Chido’s unusual trajectory saw it avoid the larger island of Madagascar, which might have diminished its strength, ultimately making landfall on Mayotte as a significant tropical cyclone. The cyclone subsequently affected Mozambique on December 15, where it caused substantial rainfall across both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France observed that the influence of climate change on the cyclone’s intensity and path remains indeterminate, 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.”
Météo-France La Réunion operates as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for tropical cyclones in the South-West Indian Ocean. The RSMC’s seasonal forecast released on October 31 accurately anticipated an early onset of the 2024-2025 cyclone season, predicting normal to elevated activity levels in the region, with an estimated nine to thirteen systems, of which four to seven may escalate to tropical cyclone status.
The Indian Ocean, particularly the region surrounding Mayotte, experiences tropical cyclones that can vary significantly in intensity and impact. Météo-France, the national meteorological service, provides critical warnings to help mitigate the effects of such natural disasters. The occurrence of tropical cyclones has been closely monitored due to their potential to cause catastrophic damage, especially in areas with vulnerable populations and inadequate housing. Climate change continues to be a point of discussion regarding its influence on cyclonic activity, although the precise relationship remains complex and poorly understood.
In summary, tropical cyclone Chido has profoundly impacted Mayotte, marking a historic and devastating event for the island. Despite accurate forecasts and timely warnings, the cyclone’s intensity and the vulnerability of housing structures contributed to significant loss of life. As the region braces for the upcoming cyclone season, monitoring and preparedness remain crucial to safeguarding vulnerable populations in the face of increasing climatic challenges.
Original Source: wmo.int
