Tropical Cyclone Chido: A Historical Devastation in Mayotte
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, becoming the strongest storm in 90 years, with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The intense rainfall and dangerous sea conditions caused significant destruction and loss of life. Despite timely warnings from Météo-France, the cyclone had severe impacts, leading to national mourning in France. The storm then affected Mozambique and Malawi before weakening, while the role of climate change remains uncertain.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on December 14, with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h, marking it the most powerful storm to impact the island in at least 90 years, according to Météo-France. The cyclone brought torrential rainfall that resulted in 176 mm of rain within 12 hours, coupled with hazardous sea conditions featuring average wave heights exceeding 5 meters. This storm’s intensity was so significant that it damaged Météo-France’s observation facilities.
Following the devastation, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a period of national mourning. An extensive emergency relief operation was activated as initial reports indicated that hundreds of individuals may have perished in an area ill-prepared for such extreme storms, particularly those residing in informal housing structures. These substantial casualties occurred despite timely warnings from Météo-France issued over 50 hours prior to landfall.
Chido took an atypical trajectory, bypassing Madagascar, which could have otherwise diminished its strength. Instead, it made a direct impact on Mayotte, engulfiing the island entirely within its eye. The storm proceeded to reach landfall in Mozambique on December 15 before gradually diminishing and also caused heavy rainfall in Mozambique and Malawi.
According to Météo-France, the connection between climate change and the cyclone’s strength remains uncertain. They stated, “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 functions as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the South-West Indian Ocean and provided seasonal forecasts that predicted an early onset of cyclone activity for the 2024-2025 season, indicating near to above-normal storm activity in the region.
The article discusses the devastation caused by tropical cyclone Chido, which made landfall on Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. This cyclone was notably powerful, leading to national mourning in France due to heavy loss of life and significant damage. It highlights the preparedness and early warnings provided by meteorological authorities, acknowledging the rarity and intensity of the storm while questioning the influence of climate change on such events. The article also references the predictions made by Météo-France regarding future cyclone activity in the region.
In conclusion, tropical cyclone Chido left a profound impact on Mayotte, marking a historical weather event for the island. The high wind speeds, torrential rain, and hazardous sea conditions resulted in extensive casualties and destruction. Although accurate forecasts were provided, the region’s vulnerability underscored the challenges of such rare cyclonic events. Future cyclone seasons may bring similar risks, necessitating continued preparedness and resilience efforts.
Original Source: wmo.int
