Tropical cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with winds over 200 km/h, leading to extensive casualties and destruction. Météo-France reported record rainfall and dangerous sea conditions. A national mourning was declared, and substantial emergency relief efforts were mobilized. The role of climate change in the storm’s occurrence remains uncertain. The 2024-2025 cyclone season is anticipated to see normal to above-normal activity, with 9 to 13 systems expected.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with wind speeds surpassing 200 km/h and gusts reaching over 225 km/h, marking it as the most powerful storm to hit the region in nearly ninety years, as reported by Météo-France. The cyclone brought unprecedented rainfall, recording 176 mm within just twelve hours, and created perilous sea conditions with average wave heights exceeding 5 meters. The magnitude of the event led to the destruction of some of Météo-France’s own observational facilities.
The French government has declared a period of national mourning following the storm. An extensive emergency and relief operation was initiated, as early reports indicated that hundreds may have perished, exacerbated by the presence of informal housing that is not typically resilient against such severe cyclonic activity. Despite timely warnings issued over 50 hours prior, which included an amber alert on December 13 and a rare violet alert the following morning, the loss of life was devastating.
Cyclone Chido took an unusual path, moving past Madagascar, which could have potentially weakened its intensity before impacting Mayotte directly. Following its landfall on the island, Chido continued to Mozambique on December 15, where it caused further heavy rainfall across both Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France commented on the unique nature of this event, stating, “This is an extremely rare event not seen for 90 years.”
As the situation unfolded, Météo-France noted that the role of climate change in the cyclone’s intensity and trajectory remains unclear, emphasizing that current scientific understanding does not permit definitive conclusions regarding climate factors related to this storm. It is noteworthy that the RSMC’s seasonal forecast, disseminated on October 31, had projected a potentially earlier start to the cyclone season in the region, with expectations of normal to above-normal activity in the 2024-2025 cyclone season.
The occurrence of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, particularly in regions like Mayotte, is not a common phenomenon, especially systems of such significant intensity. Météo-France, the French meteorological service, plays a crucial role in monitoring and forecasting weather patterns in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Their forecasts are based on extensive meteorological data and aim to provide timely warnings to mitigate risks associated with severe weather. Understanding the patterns and impacts of tropical cyclones is vital, especially in light of discussions surrounding climate change and its potential influence on storm activity and intensity.
The devastating impact of tropical cyclone Chido on Mayotte serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of island regions to extreme weather events. The cyclone’s unprecedented strength and the resulting tragedies highlight the importance of effective early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. As discussions continue regarding the implications of climate change, this cyclone exemplifies the urgent need for comprehensive environmental research and proactive disaster management strategies.
Original Source: wmo.int
