Devastating Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mayotte

Tropical cyclone Chido, the strongest to hit Mayotte in 90 years, made landfall on December 14, 2023, with winds over 200 km/h. The storm caused significant destruction, leading to national mourning in France. Despite early warnings from Météo-France, casualties were high as the island was unprepared for such severe weather. Chido later impacted Mozambique and Malawi before weakening.

Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, unleashing winds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts that surpassed 225 km/h, marking it as the most powerful storm in the region in nearly nine decades, as reported by Météo-France. Accompanied by torrential rains of 176 mm within a short 12-hour span and high waves reaching over 5 meters, the cyclone’s intensity was such that it damaged several of Météo-France’s monitoring facilities.

In response to the destruction, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a period of national mourning. Initial reports indicated that hundreds may have perished in this small island community, ill-equipped for such severe weather, particularly in informal housing areas. Despite Météo-France issuing timely warnings including an amber alert more than 50 hours prior, followed by escalation to a violet alert, the casualties were tragically high.

Chido’s trajectory was unusual; it narrowly missed the larger island of Madagascar, which could have diminished its intensity, and made a direct impact on Mayotte. Following its landfall on Mayotte, Chido continued on its path, making landfall in Mozambique the next day and bringing substantial rainfall to both Mozambique and Malawi.

Tropical cyclones are severe storms characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall, often causing significant destruction. The vulnerability of certain regions to such cyclones can be accentuated by informal housing and lack of preparedness. The cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean is typically associated with fluctuating activity levels, influenced by various climatic factors. Understanding the impact of climate change on these phenomena remains a complex challenge, often requiring careful analysis of historical data and meteorological trends. Météo-France functions as a key meteorological body, providing forecasts and alerts for tropical cyclone activity in the region.

In conclusion, tropical cyclone Chido has underscored the vulnerability of Mayotte to severe weather events, despite prior warnings. The scale of the devastation caused by Chido, with its unprecedented intensity, reflects the dire consequences that may arise from formal and informal housing structures in regions unaccustomed to such storms. The cyclone’s trajectory further emphasizes the need for comprehensive preparedness measures in tropical cyclone-prone areas, while the ongoing investigation into the impacts of climate change remains crucial for future forecasting and safety strategies.

Original Source: wmo.int