Cyclone Chido devastates French island of Mayotte

Cyclone Chido impacted Mayotte on Saturday 14th December 2024, a French island between Madagascar and Mozambique. At the equivalent of a category four hurricane, it left behind scenes of devastation and an unknown death toll.

‘The gusts observed across the entire territory exceeded 200 km/h (125mph). This is a cyclone of unprecedented magnitude for Mayotte in more than 90 years.’ Meteo France

Meteo France had warned of ‘violent gusts, accompanied by heavy rain and dangerous sea conditions’. The population were told to stay ‘confined in a solid dwelling, with a suitable stock of water and food available’ from 10pm on Friday 13th evening.

With the highest level of alert, a purple cyclone warning people were told to remain inside and sheltered from 7am. “The eye of the cyclone will pass over the north of Mayotte between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., causing a false calm.” 

This is higher than the red alert and states ‘strict confinement of the entire population, including the emergency and security services and all agents mobilized for crisis management (only authorized to travel under the red alert).’

The clear-up continues as obstacles are moved. The electricity and water supply are being restored but people must boil their water for now. The population is being asked to repair what they can but not take unnecessary risks. To stay away from lakes, rivers and steep areas as the risk of landslides remains. To leave broken electrical and phone wires and keep off the roads as much as possible to leave them free for emergency vehicles. 

Mayotte-Dzaoudzi airport remains closed as there was significant damage, including to the control tower. ‘The airport therefore remains closed to commercial flights until further notice. It is, however, open to relief flights.’ 

The nearby Comoros Islands were also affected.

Relief.net said on 15 December, “Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The remnants of Chido are expected to affect southern Malawi, bringing heavy rain and strong wind while the system is expected to dissipate on 17 December near Zimbabwe.”

Cyclone Chido is weakening, now a Moderate Tropical Storm according to the RSMC / TROPICAL CYCLONE CENTER / LA REUNION which covers the SW Indian Ocean. It is forecast to move southwestwards, over southern Malawi before heading to Zimbabwe on Monday night and Tuesday. With mountainous terrain, drier air and increased shear, the cyclone will weaken greatly over Zimbabwe. However, the heavy rainfall before that over southern Africa will cause flooding with 100-150mm of rain forecast in under one day.

Save the Children warns up to 650,000 children and their families are in danger after Cyclone Chido tore through northern Mozambique as aid effort prepares to mobilise.

Meteo France Mozambique Channel and SW Indian Ocean forecast