Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Catastrophic Damage in Mayotte

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with winds over 200 km/h, causing unprecedented destruction and loss of life. Despite timely warnings from Météo-France, the storm resulted in disastrous impacts on the unprepared island, marking the most severe cyclone in 90 years. Following Mayotte, Chido weakened over Mozambique, raising concerns about the future of cyclone activity in the region amidst climate change discussions.

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, unleashing winds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h. Classified as the most potent storm to hit the island in approximately 90 years by Météo-France, Chido brought relentless rain, with 176 mm recorded within a mere 12 hours, and treacherous sea conditions marked by waves over 5 meters. The cyclone’s intensity was such that it obliterated some of Météo-France’s observational facilities.

In response to the devastating impact, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a national day of mourning. Initial reports indicated a significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that hundreds may have perished on the small island, which lacks the infrastructure to withstand such powerful storms, particularly given its prevalence of informal housing.

Despite timely warnings issued by Météo-France more than 50 hours prior to landfall, including an amber alert on December 13, a red alert later that same day, and a rare violet alert on December 14, the consequences were grim. Chido’s trajectory was atypical; it navigated past the larger island of Madagascar, which typically serves to weaken such systems, and rather than diminishing, it struck Mayotte directly with devastating effects. Following its landfall on the island, Chido proceeded towards Mozambique on December 15, where it gradually weakened but still delivered heavy rainfall to both Mozambique and Malawi.

Météo-France commented on the storm, stating, “The impacts of Chido are above all due to its track and the direct hit on Mayotte. This is an extremely rare event not seen for 90 years.” However, they noted that the link between climate change and the cyclone’s intensity or trajectory remains ambiguous. As the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the South-West Indian Ocean, Météo-France had previously forecasted an early cyclone season for 2024-2025, projecting nine to thirteen systems, of which four to seven may develop into tropical cyclones.

The Indian Ocean region is susceptible to tropical cyclones, phenomena that can yield catastrophic consequences for affected areas. Mayotte, a small island located in this region, is particularly vulnerable due to its limited infrastructure and lack of preparation for such drastic weather events. Cyclone Chido’s occurrence, marking a significant storm within the last nine decades, highlights the unpredictable nature of tropical cyclones in the area and raises questions about the heightened severity of weather events in the context of climate change. Météo-France, the French meteorological service, plays a crucial role in monitoring and forecasting cyclone activity, providing timely alerts to mitigate the loss of life and property. Their insights into the cyclonic activity in the region, along with seasonal forecasts, serve as essential tools for preparedness and response efforts. The cyclone season outlook suggests a continuation of notable activity in the Indian Ocean, necessitating constant vigilance and readiness.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has profoundly impacted Mayotte, serving as a stark reminder of the island’s vulnerability to severe weather events. The cyclone’s anomalous strength and trajectory have raised awareness of the possible implications of climate change on tropical cyclone activity. Météo-France’s timely alerts underscore the importance of preparedness, even as questions linger about the evolving patterns of such cyclones in the future. As the region anticipates more active cyclone seasons, ongoing monitoring and proactive measures will be pivotal in safeguarding lives and infrastructure.

Original Source: wmo.int