Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, with winds of 225 km/h, causing unprecedented damage. Formed on December 5, it intensified rapidly and impacted the region after hitting Agaléga. The cyclone is noted for being the most powerful in over 90 years, leading to widespread destruction and necessitating recovery efforts.
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck the islands of Mayotte with devastating force. With winds reaching up to 225 kilometers per hour, the cyclone caused extensive destruction, including downed power lines, uprooted trees, and significant roof damage to residential structures. Reportedly, this cyclone marked the most potent storm to impact Mayotte in over nine decades, significantly affecting the region’s infrastructure and environment.
Cyclone Chido initially formed in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5, 2024, quickly intensifying as it approached the Mauritian islands of Agaléga on December 11. By December 12, the cyclone reached peak intensity, sustaining winds of approximately 250 kilometers per hour, equivalent to a robust Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the atmospheric conditions were conducive for the cyclone’s persistence, including warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear, which facilitated its strength.
Chido passed north of Madagascar on December 13 before making landfall in northern Mayotte on December 14. The subsequent impact resulted in catastrophic damage in eastern and northern Mayotte, particularly in the capital city of Mamoudzou on Grande Terre and the airport on the eastern island of Pamandzi. Satellite assessments from the European Union indicated widespread devastation, necessitating a comprehensive response from local and international authorities. After affecting Mayotte, Cyclone Chido proceeded to hit Mozambique on December 15, further exemplifying its resilience as a Category 4 tropical cyclone at every landfall.
Cyclone Chido represents a significant meteorological event in the recent history of Mayotte and the broader region. Cyclones in the Indian Ocean are often characterized by their rapid intensification and potential for severe impacts, especially when climatic conditions are favorable. This cyclone, forming during a period known for such storms, provides critical insight into the natural hazards that frequently threaten island territories and coastal regions. Analyzing the patterns of development and trajectory of such storms is imperative for preparedness and response strategies.
Cyclone Chido has revealed the vulnerability of Mayotte to extreme weather events, underscoring the need for effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Its unprecedented strength not only devastated infrastructure but also calls attention to the importance of monitoring and understanding meteorological patterns in the Indian Ocean. As affected regions now face recovery efforts, the impact of Chido will remain significant in discussions regarding future resilience strategies for island communities.
Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov
