Tropical Cyclone Chido: A Catastrophic Event in Mayotte’s History
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mayotte on December 14, 2024, as a category 4 equivalent storm, causing severe damage and resulting in two fatalities. The cyclone’s winds reached 180 to 230 km/h, leading to significant destruction and prompting emergency measures. Projections indicate it may affect approximately 2.7 million people across multiple countries in the region.
On December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte as a category 4 equivalent storm, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The cyclone’s winds reached speeds of 180 to 230 km/h (112 to 143 mph) and caused extensive damage across the island, prompting authorities to declare the highest alert level. Tragically, there have been two confirmed fatalities linked to the storm, with the capital city suffering near-total destruction.
In response to the cyclone’s rampage, Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, stated, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” Local government officials advised the approximately 320,000 residents to stay confined as Cyclone Chido unleashed its fury, downing power lines, uprooting trees, and damaging homes. Approximately 70 educational and recreational facilities were repurposed as emergency shelters amid the storm, and road traffic was halted.
Despite the harrowing conditions, meteorological authorities projected an improvement in the weather late Saturday. Cyclone alerts were also issued for the nearby Comoros archipelago, with airport closures reported. Residents in Madagascar faced flooding conditions due to the cyclone’s aftermath.
From 09:00 to 11:00 UTC on Saturday, the cyclone exhibited a well-defined eye, indicating its intensity. However, by 12:00 UTC, the cyclone’s structure began to deteriorate while still remaining potent. The cyclone maintained a favorable environment for continued activity with robust outflow and sufficient sea surface temperatures ranging from 29 to 30 °C (84 to 86 °F).
Maximum sustained winds were recorded at approximately 222 km/h (138 mph), with estimates from the AMSR2 microwave indicating winds of about 213 km/h (132 mph). The cyclone is expected to advance west-southwest, with projections suggesting landfall on Mozambique’s northern coast within 18 hours of 15:00 UTC. Following its anticipated landfall, the system is likely to weaken swiftly while continuing inland toward the southern tip of Lake Malawi.
Cyclone Chido’s expected trajectory indicates potential impacts on an estimated 2.7 million individuals across six countries, including Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Mozambique, with heavy rainfall anticipated to affect Zimbabwe and Zambia.
This unprecedented event marks a significant moment in the region’s meteorological history, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.
Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a catastrophic weather event for Mayotte, an island in the French Indian Ocean. Cyclones of this severity are rare, and the impact on the island’s infrastructure and residents underscores the vulnerability of low-lying island territories to extreme weather. The cyclone’s record intensity brings into focus broader discussions about climate change and its implications for tropical cyclone behavior in the Indian Ocean.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely affected Mayotte, leading to notable destruction and loss of life as it struck as one of the most violent storms in nearly a century. The response by local authorities to safeguard residents and established shelters highlights the urgency of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. The cyclone’s trajectory could result in widespread impacts across multiple countries in the Indian Ocean region, prompting a call for enhanced monitoring and support systems.
Original Source: watchers.news
