Tropical Cyclone Chido: A Historical Devastation for Mayotte

On December 14, 2023, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with devastating winds and heavy rainfall, marking the strongest storm in 90 years. Significant casualties and structural damage were reported despite advanced warnings. The cyclone later impacted Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France commented on the rarity of such events and the unclear role of climate change. The region anticipates an active upcoming cyclone season.

On December 14, 2023, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a small island in the Indian Ocean, with wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and gusts surpassing 225 kilometers per hour. This cyclone was recorded as the most powerful storm to impact Mayotte in nearly a century, according to Météo-France. Accompanied by heavy rainfall of 176 millimeters within a mere 12-hour period, Chido generated perilous sea conditions, with average wave heights exceeding five meters, compromising even some of Météo-France’s observational structures.

In the wake of the cyclone, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a state of national mourning as reports emerged indicating significant loss of life, with many residents presumed missing in the aftermath. The emergency response was extensive, given that the island is not accustomed to such violent weather, particularly in light of its numerous informal housing structures. Despite Météo-France issuing precise and timely warnings over 50 hours in advance, the island suffered severe casualties.

Chido’s trajectory was unusual; it skirted Madagascar, which might have diminished the cyclone’s strength. Instead, it made landfall on Mayotte as an intense tropical cyclone, enveloping the island entirely. Subsequently, Chido reached Mozambique on December 15, where it weakened but continued to deliver torrential rainfall to both Mozambique and Malawi.

Météo-France has stated, “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.” The meteorological agency added that current knowledge does not clarify the influence of climate change on the cyclone’s trajectory or intensity, indicating a need for deeper analysis.

The Météo-France La Réunion operates as the World Meteorological Organization’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the South-West Indian Ocean. Its seasonal forecast, released on October 31, accurately anticipated an early start to the cyclone season for 2024-2025, which may see between nine to thirteen systems, four to seven of which are expected to reach tropical cyclone status.

Tropical cyclones pose a formidable threat to island nations, especially those that are typically not exposed to such extreme weather phenomena. Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, has historically experienced relatively mild conditions, making the recent impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido particularly alarming. Cyclone Chido’s trajectory highlights the unpredictability of tropical weather systems and raises concerns regarding climate change’s potential role in increasing the frequency and intensity of these storms. As local authorities and meteorological agencies strive to provide accurate and timely warnings, challenges remain in mitigating the impacts of such devastating events.

The devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mayotte underscores the vulnerability of regions unaccustomed to severe tropical weather. With significant loss of life and property damage reported, the effective issuance of warnings by Météo-France illustrates both the importance of timely communication and the need for resilience in disaster-prone areas. Continued research is necessary to better understand the relationship between climate change and tropical cyclones, especially as the region prepares for a potentially active cyclone season ahead. The comprehensive response to Chido will serve as a crucial learning experience for future preparedness.

Original Source: wmo.int