Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with winds exceeding 200 km/h, causing significant damage and loss of life. French President Emmanuel Macron declared national mourning, and emergency operations were mobilized. Accurate and timely warnings from meteorological services preceded the cyclone, yet substantial destruction occurred. The storm’s intensity was unprecedented in 90 years, and its effects were felt as far as Mozambique and Malawi.
On December 14, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h. This storm was recorded as the most powerful cyclone to impact Mayotte in the last 90 years, according to Météo-France. Accompanying the cyclone were intense rains, totaling 176 mm in a mere 12 hours, and perilous ocean conditions, with wave heights averaging over 5 meters.
The cyclone caused considerable destruction, even dismantling some of Météo-France’s observational structures. In the aftermath, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a period of national mourning. Initial reports indicated that the death toll may reach hundreds on this island that is ill-equipped to handle such extreme tropical storms, particularly due to the prevalence of informal housing.
Despite timely warnings from Météo-France more than 50 hours prior to the cyclone’s landfall, the destruction was severe. An amber alert was issued on December 13, followed by a red alert later that evening, and a rare violet alert on December 14. Chido’s unusual trajectory allowed it to impact Mayotte directly, rather than being weakened by Madagascar, resulting in an intense tropical cyclone.
Chido proceeded to make landfall over Mozambique on December 15, leading to additional heavy rainfall in both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France indicated that the connection between climate change and the cyclone’s intensity remains ambiguous. They stated, “The impacts of Chido are above all due to its track and the direct hit on Mayotte.”
Tropical cyclones form in the Indian Ocean and can pose significant threats to coastal regions. Mayotte, a small island, is particularly susceptible to impacts from such storms due to its geographic location and housing infrastructure. The cyclone season in this region typically extends from December to April, with intense storms causing considerable destruction. Météo-France serves as a critical meteorological authority in this region, providing forecasts and warnings that are essential for disaster preparedness.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido severely affected Mayotte on December 14, resulting in major devastation and loss of life. The cyclone’s unprecedented intensity for the region has raised concerns about future storm risks. Despite timely warnings, the impacts were dire due to the local infrastructure’s vulnerability. The situation has sparked discussions on the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events.
Original Source: wmo.int
