A powerful cyclone, known as Cyclone Chido, caused significant devastation in the islands of Mayotte on December 14, 2024. The storm, characterized by hurricane-force winds, wreaked havoc by toppling electric poles, uprooting trees, and damaging roofs across the French territory.
Cyclone Chido initially formed in the southeastern Indian Ocean on December 5, 2024. It quickly intensified, impacting the Mauritian islands of Agaléga on December 11 before reaching its peak strength on December 12, with sustained winds of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour, classifying it as a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that Cyclone Chido maintained its intensity as it moved westward due to favorable conditions, including warm ocean temperatures of up to 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) and low wind shear. After passing just north of Madagascar on December 13, Chido made landfall in northern Mayotte the next morning with sustained winds of 225 kilometers (140 miles) per hour.
According to Météo-France, Cyclone Chido was the most powerful storm to strike Mayotte in over 90 years. Preliminary assessments by the European Union indicated extensive structural damage, particularly in the eastern and northern regions, including the capital city of Mamoudzou on Grande Terre and the airport on the eastern island of Pamandzi.
Following its impact on Mayotte, the cyclone continued its path westward, reaching Mozambique on December 15, with winds that remained at Category 4 levels during all three landfalls.
While the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Chido has resulted in severe destruction and loss, it is essential to remain hopeful for recovery initiatives. The resilience of the communities affected can foster a collective spirit for rebuilding and improvement, supported by local and international aid efforts.
The events of Cyclone Chido highlight the increasing intensity of climate-related disasters and underscore the importance of preparedness and adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions.