Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte with Record Winds and Damage

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, with winds up to 225 km/h. It caused extensive damage, being the strongest cyclone in 90 years. The storm formed on December 5 and has impacted both Mayotte and Mozambique. Damage assessments reveal severe structural destruction in Mamoudzou and surrounding areas, necessitating urgent response efforts.

On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck the islands of Mayotte with devastating force, causing significant damage across the region. The cyclone, characterized by hurricane-level winds, uprooted trees, downed electric poles, and destroyed roofs across the French territory. Formed on December 5 in the southeastern Indian Ocean, Chido rapidly intensified, impacting the Mauritian islands of Agaléga on December 11 before peaking at sustained winds of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour, classifying it as a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

The cyclone maintained favorable conditions for its continued strength, propelled by warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear. After passing just north of Madagascar on December 13, it made landfall in northern Mayotte the following morning with winds reportedly reaching 225 kilometers (140 miles) per hour. This event marks the most powerful storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, as indicated by Météo-France.

The European Union’s preliminary assessments reveal considerable destruction, particularly in the eastern and northern regions of Mayotte, including significant impacts on Mamoudzou, the capital, and the airport on Pamandzi. Following its catastrophic impact on Mayotte, Cyclone Chido proceeded to strike Mozambique on December 15, maintaining its formidable strength during each landfall event.

Cyclone Chido serves as a critical reminder of the vulnerability of island territories to extreme weather events exacerbated by climatic conditions. The cyclone developed rapidly, demonstrating the inherent unpredictability of such natural disasters. The ongoing analysis of Cyclone Chido’s path and impacts emphasizes the importance of real-time satellite data and weather monitoring systems in providing timely warnings and mitigating damage from future storms. Historical records indicate that severe cyclones have periodically affected the region, yet the intensity of Chido marks a significant escalation that could prompt further investigation into evolving weather patterns in the Indian Ocean.

In summary, Cyclone Chido’s extraordinary intensity and extensive damage highlight the increasing risks associated with severe weather events in island territories like Mayotte. The storm’s rapid development and destruction underscore the necessity for enhanced preparedness and response strategies to safeguard affected populations. As climate change continues to influence storm patterns, understanding the implications of Cyclone Chido could play a pivotal role in future disaster management frameworks.

Original Source: www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov