Image Source: The Guardian

Tropical Cyclone Chido, one of the strongest storms to hit the South-West Indian Ocean in decades, slammed into Mayotte on December 14, 2024, leaving behind widespread devastation. With wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts topping 225 km/h, Chido became the most powerful cyclone to strike Mayotte in at least 90 years. The island, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, was hit with torrential rains, dangerous sea conditions, and extreme winds, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment.

The storm unleashed 176mm of rainfall within just 12 hours, while sea waves surged to heights over 5 meters. The impact was catastrophic, with early reports indicating heavy casualties and significant destruction, particularly among the island's vulnerable informal housing structures. Chido’s powerful winds and storm surge left entire neighborhoods in ruins.

French President Declares National Mourning Amid Emergency Response

The scale of the disaster has prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to declare a national day of mourning for the victims. A large-scale emergency response has been activated, with relief efforts mobilizing to assist the thousands affected by the storm. As rescue teams search through debris and provide vital aid, authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

Despite early warnings from Météo-France, which issued alerts up to 50 hours in advance, the storm’s overwhelming intensity caught many off guard. The French weather service had issued a red alert on December 13, followed by a rare violet alert the next day, as Chido’s unpredictable path brought it directly over Mayotte. Unlike many tropical cyclones that weaken after passing Madagascar, Chido bypassed the island, preventing the storm from losing strength before it hit the smaller French territory.