Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, caused catastrophic damage and loss of life, with at least 22 fatalities and 1,500 injuries reported. The cyclone is the strongest to hit the area in over 90 years, impacting vital infrastructure and exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities among residents.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant weather event in the southeast Indian Ocean Basin on December 5, 2024. By December 9, it had intensified into a moderate tropical storm with winds of 70 km/h. Chido reached its peak on December 12, categorized as a Category 4 cyclone with winds of 250 km/h. It made landfall in Mayotte on December 14, causing catastrophic conditions with winds recorded at 225 km/h. As of December 18, the cyclone has resulted in at least 22 fatalities and 1,500 reported injuries, with expectations of increased casualties as search and rescue efforts continue. The cyclone stands as the most potent storm to impact Mayotte in over 90 years, critically damaging essential infrastructure, including hospitals, the airport, and road networks while disrupting utilities such as electricity and water.
The effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mayotte reflect a serious humanitarian crisis exacerbated by pre-existing vulnerabilities. Prior to the cyclone’s impact, approximately 40% of housing in Mayotte was already deemed precarious, affecting around 100,000 individuals, or one-third of the population. With 320,000 residents officially counted, the actual number may reach upwards of 500,000 when including those living irregularly in the territory. This demographic context is crucial for understanding the cyclone’s devastating effects on an already fragile community.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage on Mayotte, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries, alongside widespread destruction of infrastructure. This disaster highlights the vulnerabilities of the local population, particularly those residing in inadequate housing. As recovery efforts proceed, the full extent of the cyclone’s impact will likely become clearer, necessitating immediate and comprehensive humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
