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.
