Cyclone Chido: A Historical Storm Devastates Mayotte

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, with winds up to 225 km/h, causing extensive damage across the territory and marking the strongest storm in over 90 years. Originating on December 5, Chido intensified rapidly and also impacted Mozambique after devastating Mayotte.

On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck the islands of Mayotte with devastating power, producing hurricane-force winds that caused extensive destruction across the territory. Initiating its formation in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5, Chido swiftly intensified, impacting the Mauritian islands of Agaléga by December 11, and reaching peak winds of approximately 250 kilometers per hour—a classification of strong Category 4 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

The cyclone’s trajectory continued positively influenced by warm sea temperatures and minimal wind shear, ultimately making landfall on northern Mayotte with sustained winds of 225 kilometers per hour. Despite the cyclone passing just north of Madagascar prior to landfall, its impact on Mayotte was unprecedented, registering as the most powerful storm in over ninety years.

In the aftermath, the European Union conducted a preliminary satellite assessment that revealed severe structural damage in major urban areas including Mamoudzou, the capital on Grande Terre, and the eastern island’s airport in Pamandzi. After pummeling Mayotte, Cyclone Chido continued to advance westward, subsequently striking Mozambique on December 15, consistently manifesting winds equivalent to a Category 4 tropical cyclone.

This cyclone’s trajectory and intensity underscore the perilous dynamics posed by coastal weather systems, necessitating ongoing monitoring and preparedness to mitigate potential impacts in vulnerable regions.

The occurrence of Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones attributed to climate change. Originating from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, these storms often escalate rapidly, as seen with Chido, resulting in catastrophic consequences for island nations. Environmental conditions like warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear facilitate the development of powerful cyclones, demanding that regional authorities enhance their preparedness strategies to safeguard communities.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido was a catastrophic event that left Mayotte reeling from unprecedented destruction, marking its place in history as the strongest cyclone to strike the territory in over nine decades. The cyclone’s formidable winds and rapid intensification highlight the critical need for advancements in early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures in tropical regions to protect populations and infrastructures from future similar threats.

Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov