The Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte is currently facing the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the French territory in nearly a century. The devastating cyclone has claimed the lives of at least 22 individuals, causing widespread destruction as it made landfall on Saturday. High winds have obliterated entire neighborhoods, inflicted damage on critical infrastructure, and uprooted numerous trees.
Cyclone season in southeast Africa typically spans from December to March, coinciding with the period when ocean waters in the region reach their peak temperatures. The warm water serves as a catalyst for tropical storms, leading to their occurrence during this time frame. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the area, with notable storms like Cyclone Freddy in 2023, Batsirai in 2022, and Idai in 2019 wreaking havoc along the southeastern coast of Africa.
Climate scientists have underscored the link between human-induced climate change and the exacerbation of cyclones. The warming of the planet, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels, has resulted in a 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 Fahrenheit) increase in the global temperature compared to pre-industrial levels. Warm water, a crucial component for cyclone formation, has seen sea surface temperatures reaching record highs due to rising global temperatures. Consequently, cyclones have become more potent, characterized by stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and more destructive storm surges.
In 2022, a group of climate experts highlighted the role of climate change in intensifying cyclones that battered southeast Africa that year. However, due to limited weather data in the region, the exact extent of this impact remains uncertain.
While Cyclone Chido underwent rapid intensification, some observers labeled it as a 'bomb cyclone.' Despite its swift development, the storm did not meet the criteria for a bomb cyclone, which involves a significant drop in atmospheric pressure over a 24-hour period. Bomb cyclones are typically associated with cold-weather systems, unlike tropical cyclones that rely on warm ocean waters and atmospheric instability for their formation.
The shortage of early warning systems in many African countries poses a significant challenge in preparing for and responding to cyclones. The continent lacks adequate weather data and forecasting infrastructure, with only 37 radar facilities for tracking weather compared to hundreds in Europe and North America. This deficiency hampers timely evacuations and preparedness efforts, leading to higher casualties during severe weather events.
In response to these challenges, the United Nations initiated a project in 2022 aimed at providing universal access to early weather-warning systems within five years. The World Meteorological Organization has prioritized improving weather forecasts and enhancing climate adaptation measures to address the growing threat of cyclones and other extreme weather events.
