Tropical cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte on December 14, bringing unprecedented winds and rainfall. The storm resulted in significant destruction and heavy casualties despite timely warnings. Following its impact on Mayotte, Chido weakened as it moved towards Mozambique, bringing further rainfall to the region, while questions about climate change’s role in the cyclone’s strength remain unexplored.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, generating winds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts above 225 km/h. Classified as the most severe storm to impact the island in nearly a century, the cyclone brought torrential rain, registering 176 mm within a mere 12 hours, alongside dangerous ocean conditions with waves reaching over 5 meters. The winds were so powerful that they caused significant damage to Météo-France’s observational infrastructure.
In response to the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a day of national mourning. An extensive emergency response was initiated following dire preliminary assessments indicating that hundreds of residents may have lost their lives in a region not accustomed to such potent tropical storms, particularly affecting informal housing structures prevalent on the island.
Despite timely and precise warnings issued by Météo-France, which included an amber alert over 50 hours prior to the landfall, heavy casualties were reported. Alerts escalated to a violet warning on Saturday morning as the cyclone maintained an unprecedented trajectory, avoiding the larger island of Madagascar that could have diminished its potency.
Following its landfall on Mayotte, Chido moved on to Mozambique on December 15, where it began to weaken, albeit still delivering substantial rainfall to both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France remarked on the anomaly of the event, stating, “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.”
The organization also emphasized the difficulties in correlating climate change factors to the cyclone’s intensity and pathway. The WMO’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the South-West Indian Ocean contributes forecasts that had, notably, predicted an earlier onset for the cyclone season this year. The 2024-2025 season is anticipated to feature an average to above-average number of cyclonic systems, potentially presenting further challenges to vulnerable regions.
Cyclones are severe weather events that can have catastrophic impacts on communities, particularly in regions like Mayotte, where infrastructure may not be capable of withstanding such storms. The current understanding of climate change’s role in altering cyclone patterns remains limited. Météo-France, which serves as an authoritative weather agency, has indicated that the particular circumstances of cyclone Chido’s track and intensity are atypical, with significant consequences linked to its direct impact on Mayotte. Preparations for tropical cyclone seasons are essential, as accurate forecasting can help mitigate fatalities and damages in vulnerable areas.
In summary, tropical cyclone Chido has caused unprecedented devastation to Mayotte, marking a significant weather event in the region’s recent history. The response to the cyclone underscores the need for robust disaster preparedness and timely warning systems. Understanding the intricate relationship between climate change and extreme weather continues to be essential as the area braces for an active cyclone season ahead.
Original Source: wmo.int
