Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Severe Devastation in Mayotte

On 14 December, tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, with winds over 200 km/h, making it the strongest storm in 90 years. Accompanied by torrential rain, the cyclone resulted in significant destruction. French President Macron declared national mourning as the emergency response began to address the devastation. Experts indicate that such storms may occur more frequently in the future, although the impact of climate change remains uncertain.

Tropical cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on 14 December, delivering wind speeds of over 200 km/h and gusts exceeding 225 km/h. This storm is noted as the strongest to undermine Mayotte in a span of 90 years, as reported by Météo-France. The cyclone was accompanied by heavy rainfall amounting to 176 mm in just 12 hours and dangerous wave heights reaching over 5 meters, leading to extensive damage including the destruction of Météo-France’s observational structures.

In response to the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national day of mourning. An extensive emergency operation was initiated amid fears that hundreds may have perished, particularly in informal housing structures that are common on the island which rarely experiences such severe cyclones. The tragic loss of life persisted despite timely warnings issued over 50 hours in advance by Météo-France, which included progression alerts ranging from amber to violet.

Chido followed an atypical trajectory, bypassing Madagascar—an island that could have lessened the cyclone’s intensity—before making a direct hit on Mayotte. The cyclone subsequently advanced over Mozambique on 15 December, causing further heavy rainfall in both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France noted that the impact on Mayotte was primarily attributed to the cyclone’s direct path rather than climate change, emphasizing the rarity of such severe events over the last nine decades.

Furthermore, Météo-France serves as the WMO’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for tropical cyclones in the South-West Indian Ocean. The seasonal forecast issued by the RSMC on 31 October predicted a potentially early start to the 2024-2025 cyclone season, marking a departure from previous years when significant systems typically emerged in January. The forecasts suggest a normal to above-normal activity level with 9 to 13 weather systems anticipated, including four to seven expected to reach tropical cyclone status.

Tropical cyclones represent severe weather events capable of causing significant destruction, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mayotte, which lies in the Indian Ocean. The effects of climate change on these weather systems remain a topic of discussion among meteorologists. The frequency and intensity of such storms are critical areas of study as the world grapples with changing environmental conditions. Understanding the historical context and recent forecasts can provide insight into the potential future threats posed by tropical cyclones in the region.

In summary, cyclone Chido has had a catastrophic impact on Mayotte, marking the strongest storm it has faced in 90 years. Despite timely warnings, the cyclone led to a tragic loss of life and extensive damage. The unpredictable path of Chido and its intensity starkly highlight the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather related to climate phenomena. Looking ahead, meteorologists anticipate a potentially busier cyclone season for the South-West Indian Ocean in the near future.

Original Source: wmo.int