Devastating Impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte: A Historical Event
On December 14, 2023, cyclone Chido struck Mayotte as the most powerful storm in 90 years, causing extensive destruction and significant loss of life, despite advance warnings. Météo-France reported severe conditions with winds over 200 km/h and rainfall of 176 mm in 12 hours. The cyclone’s unusual path and subsequent impact raise questions about climate change’s influence on such extreme weather events, as the region braces for future cyclones.
On December 14, 2023, the tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with unparalleled intensity, featuring wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and gusts surpassing 225 kilometers per hour. This event marks the strongest storm to affect Mayotte in over 90 years, as stated by Météo-France. Accompanying the powerful winds were severe rainfalls, registering 176 millimeters within a mere 12 hours, and dangerous sea conditions with wave heights averaging more than 5 meters. Such unprecedented strength resulted in the destruction of some observation structures managed by Météo-France.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national period of mourning following the disaster. Initial reports suggested that hundreds may have perished due to the cyclone, which overwhelmed the small island, typically unprepared for such fierce tropical disturbances, particularly given the presence of informal housing structures. Despite Météo-France providing timely warnings—starting with an amber alert issued 50 hours prior to impact, escalating to a rare violet alert—loss of life ensued, reflecting the severe impact of the cyclone.
Chido followed an atypical trajectory, bypassing Madagascar, which could have weakened its force, and made a direct hit on Mayotte, completely enveloping the island in its eye. The cyclone subsequently made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, where it caused significant rainfall in both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France emphasized that while the cyclone’s impact was profound, the specific influence of climate change on its path and intensity remains unclear. The organization stated, “The impacts of Chido are above all due to its track and the direct hit on Mayotte.” Furthermore, the Meteorological Centre indicated its seasonal forecast, released on October 31, successfully predicted an early initiation of the cyclone season for 2024-2025, projecting normal to above-normal cyclone activity in the South-West Indian Ocean.
Tropical cyclones are powerful storms characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, primarily forming over warm ocean waters. The Indian Ocean is home to various cyclonic activity, and Mayotte, a small French island located in this region, has generally been shielded from such intense storms, with Chido being the first cyclone of this magnitude in nine decades. As climate change influences weather patterns, understanding the frequency and intensity of these storms has become increasingly important, although Météo-France expressed caution in linking such phenomena directly to climate change. The meteorological center continues to monitor and predict future cyclone seasons, which can significantly impact vulnerable coastal regions.
The disastrous impact of cyclone Chido on Mayotte highlights the vulnerability of regions that are ill-prepared for severe weather events, despite timely warnings from meteorological authorities. As the cyclone season progresses, understanding the patterns of these storms is crucial for improving disaster preparedness and response strategies. The events surrounding Chido serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather in the context of climate variability.
Original Source: wmo.int
