Cyclone Chido: Mayotte on Orange Alert and Preventive Measures

The prefecture of Mayotte has announced an orange cyclone alert starting this Friday, December 13th, at 7 a.m., due to the approach of Cyclone Chido. Schools will remain closed on Friday and Saturday, and authorities are urging maximum vigilance given the deteriorating weather conditions.

According to Météo-France, Chido was located 920 km off the coast of Mayotte on Thursday, December 12th, moving at a speed of 22 km/h. Significant weather deterioration is expected on Saturday morning, with heavy rains, strong winds, and possible coastal flooding.

Guidelines and Preparations

The prefecture advises the population to:
– Postpone all sea outings from Friday evening to Sunday.
– Stock up on water and food supplies.
– Secure or bring inside objects that could become hazardous.

Maritime transport, including ferries between Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, will cease operations on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The population is encouraged to limit travel and prepare for a potential red alert as early as Saturday morning, during which all outings would be prohibited.

Logistical Support and Emergency Shelters

Reinforcements of firefighters from La Réunion and civil security personnel are expected to arrive on the island. Additionally, emergency shelters have been identified in collaboration with local municipalities. Anyone, regardless of administrative status, will have access to these shelters. Residents are encouraged to contact their local town halls for information.

Past Cyclonic Events in Mayotte

Mayotte is rarely affected by major cyclones. The last significant event was Cyclone Belna in 2019, which caused only minor damage after 15,000 people were pre-emptively sheltered. In contrast, Cyclone Kamisy in 1984 resulted in one death and significant material damage at a time when most homes were constructed from plant-based materials.

Additional Information

Water supply is a major concern. The network will remain operational until late Friday to allow residents to stock up. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the population.