Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mayotte on December 14, 2024
Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, was characterized by winds reaching 225 kilometers per hour. The storm, which formed in the Indian Ocean, is noted as the strongest to impact Mayotte in over 90 years. Significant structural damage was reported across the territory, particularly in Mamoudzou and the airport on Petite Terre.
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido unleashed destruction upon the islands of Mayotte, characterized by hurricane-force winds that caused significant damage throughout the French territory. The cyclone, which originated in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5, rapidly strengthened, impacting the Mauritian islands of Agaléga by December 11, before peaking with winds of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour, equivalent to a potent Category 4 hurricane.
Chido’s movement was sustained by conducive environmental factors, such as elevated sea surface temperatures reaching 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) and minimal vertical wind shear. Following its passage north of Madagascar on December 13, Chido made landfall on northern Mayotte early on December 14, registering sustained winds of 225 kilometers (140 miles) per hour.
As confirmed by Météo-France, Chido is regarded as the most powerful storm to strike Mayotte in over nine decades. Preliminary satellite assessments conducted by the European Union determined widespread devastation across eastern and northern Mayotte, notably in the capital, Mamoudzou, located on Grande Terre, and the airport situated on Petite Terre, Pamandzi. The cyclone continued its trajectory westward, adversely affecting Mozambique on December 15, further maintaining winds characteristic of a Category 4 tropical cyclone during each landfall.
Cyclone Chido, which developed in a conducive environment for cyclone formation, is an example of the destructive forces of nature, especially in regions susceptible to tropical cyclones. Cyclones like Chido form over warm ocean waters and can rapidly escalate in strength. The Saffir-Simpson scale is utilized to categorize storm intensity based on wind speed, which provides insight into the potential damage a cyclone may inflict.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido wrought significant destruction upon Mayotte, marking a catastrophic weather event in the French territory’s history. Its impact exemplifies the dangers posed by powerful tropical cyclones, particularly in vulnerable regions. The aftermath of Chido emphasizes the importance of preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of such severe weather phenomena.
Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov
