Climate Change Elevated Cyclone Chido’s Strength, Study Shows

Cyclone Chido, intensified by climate change, hit Mayotte as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread damage. A study suggests such storms are now 40% more likely due to human-caused warming. The true impact remains uncertain, with officials fearing a rising death toll.

A preliminary study conducted by scientists at Imperial College London has found that climate change significantly strengthened Cyclone Chido, which recently struck the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte. The research indicates that Cyclone Chido, which reached wind speeds that classified it as a Category 4 storm—the second highest level—was 40 percent more likely due to the current warmer climate conditions when compared to pre-industrial times. With Mayotte suffering devastating damage, officials are concerned that the death toll could rise substantially as the full extent of the disaster is still being assessed.

Cyclone Chido represents a troubling example of how climate change is influencing the frequency and intensity of tropical storms. Recent assessments suggest that warmer ocean temperatures, attributed to human activity, are playing a pivotal role in the development of more potent storms. The cyclone’s impact on Mayotte has raised alarm over the vulnerability of such regions, particularly as many inhabitants reside in makeshift housing, further exacerbating the potential for catastrophic consequences during storm events.

The findings of the study underscore the pressing reality of climate change’s impact on severe weather events, as exemplified by Cyclone Chido. With the climate approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, the increase in wind speeds and storm intensity poses significant risks for affected areas. The implications of this research point to a future where communities may face heightened threats from increasingly powerful tropical storms.

Original Source: www.fox28spokane.com