Tropical Cyclone Chido: Mayotte Faces Most Severe Cyclone in 90 Years
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, as a category-4 equivalent cyclone, causing severe damage and resulting in at least two fatalities. Authorities issued emergency alerts, mandating residents to seek shelter. Wind speeds reached 180-230 km/h, damaging infrastructure and leading to closed transportation services. Predicted to impact several African nations, Chido represents one of the most destructive cyclones in 90 years.
On December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made a devastating landfall on the island of Mayotte, manifesting as a category-4 equivalent cyclone. This catastrophic event has resulted in significant destruction, with reports confirming at least two fatalities and extensive damage across the region. Major infrastructure—especially in the capital—sustained severe impact, prompting authorities to issue emergency alerts and mandate shelter for all residents, including rescue personnel.
With wind speeds reaching between 180 to 230 km/h (112 to 143 mph), Cyclone Chido brought down power lines, uprooted trees, and severely damaged homes. Local officials have advised the approximately 320,000 residents of Mayotte to remain indoors, while authorities transformed roughly 70 schools and gyms into emergency shelters. Transport disruptions ensued, with road traffic prohibited and the airport shut down, as officials anticipated improvements in conditions post-storm.
The cyclone also prompted alerts for the neighboring Comoros archipelago, leading to closed airports and reports of flooding in nearby Madagascar. Observers noted that between 09:00 and 11:00 UTC, Chido exhibited a symmetrical eye, a characteristic of an intense cyclone. However, by midday, its eye became less defined, although the cyclone maintained conditions conducive for strengthening, attributed to warm sea temperatures and favorable wind patterns.
Forecasts predict that Chido will continue its path towards the northern coast of Mozambique, making landfall approximately 65 km (40 miles) south of Pemba Bay within 18 hours of 15:00 UTC. While the cyclone may slightly intensify prior to its impending landfall, it is anticipated to lose strength as it progresses inland, ultimately impacting up to 2.7 million individuals across multiple African nations, with heavy rainfall expected in Zimbabwe and Zambia as well.
Tropical Cyclone Chido represents an unprecedented meteorological event for the island of Mayotte, marking the most violent storm since 1934. The cyclone’s formation was characterized by a conducive environment, including warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear, facilitating its development and potential intensification. Factors such as geographical location within the Indian Ocean and seasonal climate variations contribute significantly to the cyclonic activity affecting this region.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has proven to be a disastrous event for Mayotte, wreaking havoc and displacing thousands while claiming lives. The damage has prompted a state of emergency, illustrating the profound impact of such extreme weather phenomena on vulnerable island communities. As the cyclone continues its trajectory, ongoing monitoring and emergency response efforts remain critical to mitigate further consequences in the affected regions.
Original Source: watchers.news
