Post-storm damage assessment in Mayotte, France (2024-12-14)

On 14 December 2024, Mayotte experienced its most devastating storm in nearly a century when Cyclone Chido made landfall. Classified as a Category 4 cyclone, Chido brought sustained winds exceeding 200 km/h and gusts up to 225 km/h, accompanied by a relatively modest storm surge of approximately 0.35 m. The cyclone caused catastrophic damage across the island, particularly affecting informal settlements and vulnerable infrastructure. The French Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Crisis Management (DGSCGC/COGIC) requested the activation to evaluate the impact of the storm event. The activation includes post-storm damage assessment on forest, coral reefs, and mangroves, deforestation monitoring, and evaluations of soil erosion and landslide risks. The outcomes are intended to assist local authorities in assessing damage and risks, as well as in monitoring deforestation throughout the year 2025.