Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido’s Impact on Mayotte

A study from Imperial College London indicates that climate change significantly intensified Cyclone Chido, making a landfall in Mayotte. The cyclone, classified as a Category 4 storm, is estimated to be 40 percent more likely to occur now than in pre-industrial times. The full extent of the damage and potential casualties remains uncertain as climate change intensifies tropical storms.

Recent research conducted by scientists from Imperial College London has revealed that Cyclone Chido, which recently struck the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, was notably intensified due to climate change. This preliminary study highlights that in 2024, cyclones with a strength akin to Chido’s are approximately 40 percent more likely compared to the pre-industrial era. Upon making landfall, Cyclone Chido, categorized as a level four storm on a five-point scale, wreaked havoc in Mayotte, an area where one-third of the inhabitants occupy makeshift shelters. The extent of the damage remains unclear, though officials are concerned that the death toll may soar into the thousands.

In assessing the impact of global warming on cyclone intensity, the researchers employed a sophisticated computer model that simulates millions of tropical cyclones. They concluded that the wind speeds in the vicinity of Chido’s landfall had increased by three miles per hour, owing to the climate shifts resulting from human activities. The study states that climate change has upgraded the intensity of a cyclone like Chido from a Category 3 to a Category 4. Although France’s weather service has refrained from directly linking Chido’s severity to climate change, it has acknowledged that warming oceans—attributed to human-induced climate change—are leading to more catastrophic storm systems. Furthermore, the average global temperature has risen by approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial period, which is contributing to an increase in extreme weather events due to warmer air and oceans, which foster enhanced evaporation and precipitation conditions for tropical storms.

The discussion surrounding Cyclone Chido underscores the ongoing consequences of climate change, particularly in relation to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Recent findings suggest that the warming climate is a direct contributor to the increased likelihood of stronger tropical storms, with significant implications for vulnerable regions such as Mayotte. The interplay between rising ocean temperatures and atmospheric changes plays a critical role in shaping storm dynamics, thus presenting a pressing issue for global climate policy and disaster preparedness. The situation in Mayotte serves as a poignant reminder of the real-world impacts of climate change on communities, especially those with limited resources.

In summary, the intensification of Cyclone Chido due to climate change marks a significant concern for coastal and island regions around the world. This case exemplifies the broader implications of global warming, where increased ocean temperatures and atmospheric changes are fostering more aggressive weather patterns. The scientific community continues to investigate these linkages to better understand the potential ramifications as climate change progresses. Without urgent global action, the risks associated with stronger cyclones and related disasters may continue to escalate, leading to devastating effects on vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr