Overview of the Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mayotte

Tropical Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mayotte on December 14, 2024, with sustained winds of 225 km/h. The storm has caused at least 22 deaths and 1,500 injuries, with significant destruction to infrastructure and homes already in precarious condition. The cyclone represents the strongest to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, impacting a population of around 320,000, with a possibility of unrecorded residents from Comoros.

On December 5, 2024, Tropical Depression Chido formed in the southeast Indian Ocean, later intensifying into a moderate tropical storm on December 9, with winds reaching 70 km/h. By December 12, it escalated to a Category 4 cyclone, peaking at sustained winds of 250 km/h. The cyclone made landfall in Mayotte early on December 14, bringing sustained winds of 225 km/h. As of December 18, the storm has resulted in at least 22 fatalities and approximately 1,500 injuries, with a likelihood of rising numbers as rescue efforts continue and many individuals remain unaccounted for.

This cyclone is noteworthy as it marks the most potent storm to impact Mayotte in over 90 years, wreaking havoc on essential infrastructure, including key hospitals, the airport, and significant transportation routes. Furthermore, the cyclone severely disrupted electricity, water supply, and communication systems throughout the region. It is estimated that prior to the storm’s occurrence, a considerable 40% of Mayotte’s houses were already in a precarious state, suggesting that approximately 100,000 individuals inhabited these vulnerable dwellings.

Mayotte is officially reported to have a population of around 320,000; however, estimates suggest that there could be upwards of 200,000 additional residents, primarily consisting of individuals from the neighboring island nation of Comoros who reside in the region irregularly. The ramifications of Cyclone Chido will likely further exacerbate underlying challenges faced by the local population, particularly in light of existing vulnerabilities.

Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a significant weather event, having developed in the Indian Ocean and moving westward, intensifying rapidly over the course of several days. The cyclone reached its full strength just before making landfall in Mayotte on December 14, 2024. This storm is distinguished not only by its severity but also by its historical implications, being the strongest cyclone to strike the island in over nine decades. The pre-existing precarious conditions of many homes add another layer to the disaster’s impact, warranting urgent attention for recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has profoundly affected Mayotte, resulting in loss of life, extensive injuries, and devastating damage to critical infrastructure. The storm’s intensity and timing exacerbated existing vulnerabilities within the population, propelling urgent humanitarian needs and recovery efforts. Continued assessment and response will be crucial as rescue operations evolve and the region confronts the challenges ahead.

Original Source: reliefweb.int