On December 14, Tropical cyclone Chido severely impacted Mayotte, causing winds over 200 km/h, torrential rainfall, and severe property damage. French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national mourning period. Although advance warnings were issued, the cyclone struck with unprecedented intensity, underscoring concerns regarding climate change and future storm patterns in the Indian Ocean.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, with wind speeds surpassing 200 km/h and gusts exceeding 225 km/h. This storm is recognized as the strongest to impact Mayotte in the past 90 years, according to Météo-France. The cyclone was accompanied by heavy rainfall, including 176 mm recorded within 12 hours, alongside dangerously high waves averaging over 5 meters.
In summary, Tropical cyclone Chido has had devastating effects on Mayotte, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. Despite advance warnings from Météo-France, the island faced severe impacts due to the storm’s unusual trajectory. The forecast for the upcoming cyclone season suggests a continued threat of active tropical systems in the region.
Original Source: wmo.int
