Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with devastating winds exceeding 200 km/h and torrential rains. It is identified as the strongest cyclone to impact the region in 90 years, leading to significant loss of life and property damage. Météo-France issued timely warnings, yet vulnerabilities in housing exacerbated the disaster’s effects. Following Mayotte, Chido impacted Mozambique and Malawi, continuing to raise concerns over cyclone intensity and climate change.
On December 14, 2023, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with devastating force, registering maximum wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h. This cyclone, which has been identified as the most intense to have impacted Mayotte in over 90 years, unleashed torrential downpours, dumping 176 mm of rain within a mere 12 hours, and produced perilous sea conditions with wave heights averaging over 5 meters. The cyclone’s severity was so pronounced that it destroyed critical observation structures of Météo-France.
In response to the unprecedented disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national day of mourning while a substantial emergency relief operation was initiated. Initial assessments indicated the tragic possibility of substantial fatalities, as many residents were living in informal housing which rendered them more vulnerable to the cyclone’s wrath. This calamity transpired despite the issuance of early warnings from Météo-France, which included an amber alert over 50 hours prior to landfall, elevated to a red alert on December 13, and subsequently to a violet alert on December 14.
Chido’s trajectory was unusual as it narrowly bypassed Madagascar, a larger island that could have potentially diminished the cyclone’s strength. Instead, it made a direct impact on Mayotte, enveloping the island within its eye. Following its emergence from Mayotte, Chido made landfall over Mozambique on December 15 before gradually losing intensity, though it continued to affect Mozambique and Malawi with heavy rainfall.
Météo-France commented on the extraordinary nature of Chido’s impacts, attributing them primarily to its direct assault on Mayotte. The organization stated, “This is an extremely rare event not seen for 90 years. Our current state of knowledge doesn’t allow us to draw any conclusions about the role of climate change on the track of the cyclone and on its intensity.” As the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the South-West Indian Ocean, Météo-France had earlier predicted a potentially earlier start to the cyclone season, forecasting a normal to heightened level of activity for the 2024-2025 season, with expectations of 9 to 13 systems, of which 4 to 7 might escalate to tropical cyclone conditions.
Tropical cyclones are severe weather systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, frequently causing destruction, particularly in island regions. Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean, has rarely faced cyclonic activity of such intensity, making Cyclone Chido’s impact historically significant. Meteorological agencies such as Météo-France provide critical alerts and forecasts to prepare populations for extreme weather, yet many regions remain vulnerable due to informal housing and inadequate infrastructure. The implications of climate change on cyclone patterns and intensity remain a contentious topic among scientists, highlighting the need for ongoing research and preparedness strategies.
The catastrophic impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mayotte underscores the vulnerabilities faced by regions unaccustomed to such extreme weather events. Despite timely warnings, the loss of life and destruction were significant, prompting national mourning and mobilization of emergency relief efforts. As climatological studies evolve, understanding the interplay between climate change and cyclone behavior will be crucial for enhancing preparedness and response capabilities. The upcoming cyclone season may present further challenges, necessitating vigilance and proactive measures.
Original Source: wmo.int
