Cyclone 

On December 14, 2024, the Mayotte archipelago was hit by Chido, a category 4 cyclone, with winds of over 220 km/h. More than 90% of Mayotte's ships were seriously damaged or even completely destroyed.

The use of cartographic, meteorological, hydrographic and bathymetric has enabled several ships to be saved. The forecasts have enabled us to locate a protected area. The ships were positioned taking into account the direction of the winds and the predicted tidal currents. In particular, it was necessary to ensure that the drift caused by the winds did not cause these ships to crash onto a rocky area. The measures taken during Cyclone Chido were adapted when Dikiledi passed on 12 January 2025. The wind direction was notably different, starting in the south-east for Chido and north-west for Dikeledi. The wind was less powerful for Dikelidi but the change in direction required greater protection and a slightly different parking area.

The violent winds generated by Chido lasted for 2 hours. This period corresponded to a low tide during which the ships were stranded in the mud. The mangrove being surrounded by hills, the ships lying down by winds of more than 220 km/h were pushed and stranded in the mangrove trees. The flexibility of this vegetation limited the damage.

Considering the catastrophic material toll on the Mayotte nautical park, this vast grounding zone could have accommodated a much larger number of vessels.

Link : Joint Typhoon Warning Center