Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido, Impacting Mayotte

A study indicates Cyclone Chido was intensified by climate change, being 40% more likely now than in pre-industrial times. The cyclone, a Category 4 storm, caused severe destruction in Mayotte, raising concerns about a rising death toll as officials assess the full impact.

A new assessment from Imperial College London indicates that climate change played a significant role in intensifying Cyclone Chido, which recently struck Mayotte. The study suggests that under the current climate conditions of 2024, storms of Chido’s caliber are 40 percent more likely compared to pre-industrial times. Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, resulted in substantial destruction across Mayotte, particularly affecting those residing in inadequate housing. Reports indicate that the potential death toll could be in the thousands, though the full extent of the disaster remains undetermined.

The research employed advanced computer modeling techniques to simulate tropical cyclones and gauge the impact of global warming on storm intensity. Findings suggest that wind speeds in the vicinity of where Chido made landfall have increased by 3 miles per second since the pre-industrial era. Although France’s weather service has not definitively linked Chido’s strength to climate change, it acknowledges that warmer oceans exacerbate storm severity. As human activities continue to contribute significantly to global warming, the climate has risen nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, facilitating the formation of increasingly extreme weather events.

Cyclone Chido represents a serious example of how climate change can influence the intensity and frequency of tropical storms. With rising global temperatures resulting from human activity, scientists are increasingly concerned about the implications for severe weather patterns. The connection between a warming climate and the amplification of cyclone characteristics is a key area of research as these storms pose a growing threat to vulnerable populations, particularly in coastal regions such as Mayotte.

In summary, Cyclone Chido’s recent excursion into Mayotte serves as a stark reminder of the implications of climate change on severe weather phenomena. Evidence indicates that increased ocean and atmospheric temperatures significantly enhance cyclone intensity. As such events become increasingly prevalent, the need for preparedness and mitigation strategies is more critical than ever, highlighting the urgent need for addressing climate change.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr