Before-and-after satellite images show Agalega after Cyclone Chido’s direct hit
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on the island pair of Agalega in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as a category 4 equivalent cyclone — the strongest cyclone to hit the island since 1983.
Sentinel-2 satellite image of Agalega, Mauritius, captured on December 16, 2024, showing the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido's direct impact on December 11. Credit: CopernicusEU/Sentinel-2, EO Browser, The Watchers
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall over the island of Agalega (population 330) on December 11 with winds of 222 km/h (138 mph), making it a Category-4 equivalent cyclone.
Significant infrastructure damage has been reported on both islands, with reports indicating that several homes and schools have been damaged. Residents of the North Island have reportedly sought shelter at the airport.
Chido brought strong wind gusts and storm surge up to 8 m (26 feet), destroying most of the island’s homes and schools, and cutting off communications with the island.
Mauritian Minister Shakeel Mohamed announced that a Mauritian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was en route to provide assistance. Additionally, an Indian cargo plane is expected to join the relief efforts.
Following its landfall over Agelega, the cyclone’s center moved just north of northern Madagascar and then made a direct impact on Mayotte on December 14, devastating the island with torrential rains, storm surges, and destructive winds reaching 220 km/h (136 mph).
The impact caused widespread destruction, flattening homes, uprooting trees, and severely damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals and the island’s airport. Power and communication lines were disrupted, leaving much of the population isolated.
Initial reports estimate that one-third of Mayotte’s 320 000 residents have been rendered homeless, while severe shortages of drinking water and medical supplies are complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Authorities have deployed emergency teams, but access to some areas remains challenging due to blocked roads and floodwaters.
On December 16, Mayotte officials expressed fears the death toll could climb significantly, with hundreds, if not thousands, still unaccounted for. The full extent of the damage and human toll is yet to be determined.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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