Cyclone Chido Causes Destruction in Mayotte and Beyond

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, as a powerful Category 4 storm, causing widespread damage with winds of 225 kilometers per hour. It intensified in the Indian Ocean, affecting Mauritius before hitting Mayotte and later Mozambique. This cyclone marked a significant meteorological event for the region, being the strongest to impact Mayotte in over 90 years.

On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido unleashed devastating effects on the islands of Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean. This fierce storm generated hurricane-strength winds that disrupted power lines, uprooted trees, and severely damaged residential structures. Formed on December 5, Chido initially intensified in the southeastern Indian Ocean and impacted the Mauritian islands before achieving its peak intensity with sustained winds of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour—a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Continuing westward, under favorable climatic conditions, including warm ocean waters, Cyclone Chido made landfall just north of Madagascar before striking northern Mayotte. On landfall, the storm produced sustained winds of 225 kilometers (140 miles) per hour, marking it as the most powerful cyclone to strike Mayotte in over nine decades, as noted by Météo-France. Preliminary assessments by the European Union revealed extensive destruction, particularly in eastern and northern regions, affecting the capital, Mamoudzou, and the airport of Pamandzi.

After its catastrophic impact on Mayotte, Cyclone Chido progressed further westward, making its way to Mozambique on December 15, maintaining(Category 4 tropical cyclone) wind speeds during all phases of landfall.

Cyclone Chido formed on December 5, 2024, and was characterized by rapid intensification derived from conducive environmental factors such as high sea surface temperatures and minimal wind shear. After affecting Mauritius, it reached its peak intensity shortly before making landfall in Mayotte. This cyclone’s strength positioned it among the most notable storm events of the last century for the region, emphasizing the historical frequency of severe weather in the Indian Ocean. Understanding the cyclone’s trajectory, intensity, and effects provides crucial insights into tropical storm patterns and climate-related challenges that vulnerable regions face.

In summary, Cyclone Chido significantly impacted Mayotte and surrounding areas, becoming the strongest storm to hit the region in over ninety years. With wind speeds equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, it inflicted substantial damage to infrastructure and communities. The event underscores the ongoing challenges of climate change and its role in intensifying severe weather events, necessitating further exploration into effective preparedness and response strategies in the face of such natural disasters.

Original Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov