Cyclone Chido, a powerful storm forming on December 5, 2024, hit Mayotte on December 14, causing extensive devastation, with sustained winds of 225 kilometers per hour. This marked the strongest storm to affect Mayotte in over 90 years. The cyclone also impacted Mozambique the following day, continuing its destructive path across the region.
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, resulting in catastrophic damages across the French territory. This fierce cyclone, which had formed in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5, rapidly intensified, reaching peak winds of approximately 250 kilometers per hour. Following its initial impact on the Mauritian islands of Agaléga and a close encounter with Madagascar, Chido redirected toward Mayotte, causing widespread devastation, particularly in the capital, Mamoudzou, as well as in Pamandzi. This storm is noted as the strongest to impact Mayotte in over nine decades, with significant structural damages reported across both islands.
The cyclone’s progression was marked by favorable conditions, including warm ocean temperatures and low wind shear, which aided its intensification. As Chido advanced westward, its impact extended beyond Mayotte, leading to subsequent landfall in Mozambique on December 15, where it maintained formidable winds characteristic of a Category 4 storm.
The European Union’s initial assessments indicated severe damage to various infrastructures, including residential buildings and essential services. Local authorities and disaster response teams are now collaborating in recovery and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that the affected communities receive necessary support in the aftermath of this natural disaster. The severity of Cyclone Chido underlines the ongoing challenges faced by island nations in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the context of climate change and its potential impact on storm frequency and intensity.
Cyclone Chido’s formation and devastating impact reflect the increasing vulnerability of island territories to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As ocean temperatures rise, storms such as Cyclone Chido can gather strength more rapidly, leading to heightened risks for coastal communities. The experience of Mayotte serves as a critical reminder of the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the face of potential future cyclones. The historical context of cyclonic activity in this region emphasizes the importance of monitoring and responding to evolving climatic conditions.
In summary, Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented impact on Mayotte highlights the acute risks faced by island nations from severe weather events. With recorded winds reaching Category 4 levels and extensive damage across key areas, the necessity for improved climate resilience and disaster management strategies becomes increasingly apparent. As recovery efforts commence, the experience from this cyclone may inform future preparedness initiatives both locally and across other vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov
