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Cyclone Chido Causes Catastrophe in Mayotte: Historical Impact and Future Implications

Tropical cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2023, with winds over 200 km/h and heavy rain, leading to widespread devastation. Despite early warnings, significant loss of life occurred. The storm marked a rare meteorological event for Mayotte, with discussions surrounding the impact of climate change on such occurrences ongoing.

Tropical cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on December 14, producing wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts surpassing 225 km/h. This cyclone has been recorded as the most powerful storm to impact Mayotte in over 90 years, according to Météo-France. The island experienced severe rainfall, registering 176 mm within just 12 hours, and was subjected to perilous sea conditions with wave heights averaging over 5 meters.

The cyclone caused significant destruction, even impacting Météo-France’s observational facilities. In light of the devastation, French President Emmanuel Macron proclaimed a national period of mourning. Early reports indicated hundreds of casualties on Mayotte, an island ill-prepared for such an intense tropical cyclone, particularly given the prevalence of informal housing constructions within the region.

Despite the timely and precise warnings issued by Météo-France, which began more than 50 hours prior, the loss of life was substantial. Alerts were elevated from amber on December 13 at 7 am local time to a rare violet alert by December 14 at 7 am. Chido’s path was unusual, bypassing Madagascar, which may have otherwise mitigated its intensity before it made landfall on Mayotte.

On December 15, Chido continued its track, landing in Mozambique and subsequently losing strength. It also brought heavy rainfall to Mozambique and Malawi. Météo-France has stated that the influence of climate change on the event remains uncertain, stating, “Our current state of knowledge doesn’t allow us to draw any conclusions about the role of climate change on the track of the cyclone and on its intensity.”

The WMO’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Tropical Cyclone center in La Réunion provides critical forecasts for the region. A seasonal forecast issued on October 31 indicated the potential for an early onset of the 2024-2025 cyclone season, with predictions of 9 to 13 systems, of which 4 to 7 are expected to escalate to tropical cyclone status.

In summary, Tropical cyclone Chido has marked a catastrophic event in Mayotte’s history, being the strongest storm in 90 years, resulting in severe devastation and loss of life. Despite accurate warnings, the island was unprepared for such an unprecedented natural disaster. As we move forward, understanding the broader implications of climate change on such weather events remains a priority, especially with an anticipated cyclone season on the horizon.

Original Source: wmo.int

Michael Grant has dedicated his life to journalism, beginning his journey as an editorial intern in a small-town newspaper. Over the past two decades, he has honed his skills in investigative reporting and breaking news coverage. His relentless pursuit of the truth has earned him multiple awards, and his articles are known for their clarity and depth. Michael currently contributes regularly to several prominent news websites, where his expertise is sought after by editors and readers alike.

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