Red Alert in Mayotte: Cyclone Chido Threatens the Archipelago with Winds Exceeding 180 km/h

Starting this Friday, December 13, at 10:00 PM local time, Mayotte has been placed under a red cyclonic alert as the archipelago prepares for the arrival of Cyclone Chido, a phenomenon described as unprecedented and extremely violent. According to the Prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, this cyclone could generate winds exceeding 180 km/h and cause significant damage.

Traffic will be banned on the roads starting at 10:00 PM, and Dzaoudzi Airport will close its doors from 8:00 PM. The Prefect also recommended that people living in precarious conditions go to one of the 71 shelter centers opened by the authorities, located in schools and gymnasiums.

A Cyclone Stronger Than That of 1984

Cyclone Chido, currently about 500 kilometers from Mayotte, is classified as an intense tropical cyclone. Météo-France predicts gusts of winds between 150 and 200 km/h, particularly in the northern part of the island. In addition to violent winds, torrential rainfall (up to 150 mm) and a high risk of flooding are expected. The swell could also have significant effects on the coastline.

The Prefect urged sailors to immediately return to shore, noting that the last ferry between Dzaoudzi and Mamoudzou will depart at 5:30 PM. Due to the severity of the situation, all schools will be closed on Friday and Saturday.

Reinforcements and Safety Measures

In response to this threat, the Ministry of the Interior has deployed 110 civil security professionals, including 71 rescue workers and 39 firefighters from La Réunion, to support the local forces in Mayotte.

Mayotte, which is generally spared from cyclones, still remembers the passage of Cyclone Kamisy in April 1984, which caused significant human and material damage. The Prefect also highlighted that Chido could be more intense than this historic cyclone.

The residents of the archipelago are urged to follow the authorities’ instructions and prepare for a challenging passage.