Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on 14 December, causing winds over 200 km/h and unprecedented rainfall. Despite warnings from Météo-France, emergency operations were mobilized as hundreds feared dead due to informal housing structures on the island. Chido subsequently impacted Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France stressed the rare nature of the event, and forecasts predict heightened cyclone activity for the upcoming season.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on 14 December, reaching wind speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour, with gusts exceeding 225 kilometers per hour. This storm was reported to be the most powerful cyclone to affect Mayotte in 90 years, according to Météo-France. The cyclone not only brought torrential rains totaling 176 millimeters within 12 hours, but also led to dangerous sea conditions with wave heights averaging more than 5 meters. Its intensity resulted in the destruction of some observational structures of Météo-France.
In response to the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a period of national mourning. Emergency operations were swiftly mobilized amid reports that hundreds might have perished on the island, which largely comprises informal housing and is not typically prone to such severe cyclonic activity. Despite this tragic loss of life, there were timely alerts issued by Météo-France well in advance, providing more than 50 hours of warning.
The cyclone took an atypical trajectory, moving around Madagascar, which could have weakened its intensity before making a direct impact on Mayotte as a powerful tropical cyclone. Following its landfall on Mayotte, Chido subsequently struck Mozambique on 15 December, causing heavy rainfall in both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France stated that the influence of climate change in this event remains unclear, emphasizing the rarity of such occurrences in the last nine decades.
Expert meteorologists from Météo-France highlighted the unusual nature of Chido’s path and severity. They noted, “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 serves as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the South-West Indian Ocean, issuing seasonal forecasts that correctly predicted the premature onset of the 2024-2025 cyclone season.
The forecast aptly projected normal to above normal cyclonic activity for the region, estimating 9 to 13 systems, with 4 to 7 potentially reaching tropical cyclone classification. This emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness in light of changing climatic factors.
Tropical cyclones are significant meteorological events that can cause devastating impacts, especially in regions such as Mayotte, which typically experience milder weather patterns. Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented intensity and trajectory highlighted vulnerabilities associated with informal housing structures on the island. The timely warnings provided by meteorological agencies underscore the importance of preparedness in mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Furthermore, discussions around climate change add complexity to understanding such events in the context of current meteorological knowledge.
The impact of tropical cyclone Chido on Mayotte is a stark reminder of the potential severity of weather events in vulnerable regions. The devastation caused by the cyclone, despite advance warnings, calls for enhanced preparedness and adaptation strategies in light of potential increases in cyclonic activity influenced by climate change. Understanding the rarity of such storms can lead to improved response measures in future instances.
Original Source: wmo.int
