Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 11 February 2007 |
Dissipated | 23 February 2007 |
Intense tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (MFR) | |
Highest winds | 195 km/h (120 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 925 hPa (mbar);27.32 inHg |
Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 220 km/h (140 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 922 hPa (mbar);27.23 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 10 total |
Damage | $71 million (2007 USD) |
Areas affected | Madagascar,Mozambique,Tanzania,Zimbabwe,Malawi |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2006–07 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season |
Intense Tropical Cyclone Favio was the first known tropical cyclone that passed south of Madagascar to strike Africa as an intense tropical cyclone. [1] Early on 11 February 2007,a zone of disturbed weather formed east of Madagascar. Four days later,Favio was named as intensified to a moderate tropical storm while moving southwest. On 18 February,the storm was upgraded into a severe tropical storm. Then,it turned west in the general direction of Mozambique. Continuing to intensify,Favio was upgraded to a tropical cyclone early on 19 February. Subsequently,the storm began to undergo rapid deepening;the small storm reached intense tropical cyclone status the next day before peaking in intensity. However,the cyclone had weakened somewhat prior to making landfall on 22 February in the Inhambane Province in Mozambique. It rapidly weakened over land and dissipated the next day.
While strengthening,Favio brought heavy rains to southern Madagascar. After making landfall,Intense Tropical Cyclone Favio brought widespread damage to Vilanculos in Mozambique,where the cyclone killed four people and injured at least 70 in the town. About 80% of the town was destroyed. Overall,a total of ten people were killed by the storm and nearly 100 others were injured,and combined with an earlier flood,the storm caused $71 million (2007 USD) in damage. Around 130,000 homes suffered damage and 130 schools were leveled by the tropical cyclone. Across the nation,a total of 33,000 people were left homeless during the system. Cyclone Favio destroyed 277,000 ha (684,480 acres) of crops. In Zimbabwe,400 electricity poles were downed. During the aftermath of the storm,a number of agencies provided assistance to victims of Cyclone Favio in Mozambique. One agency donated $626,500,helping transport 50,000 mosquito nets to the devastated area. A total of 5,500 bars of soap,1,600 buckets,50 baths,and over 180 latrines were distributed to the victims of the devastated area. In all,the government was praised for how well they handled the disaster.
Cyclone Favio originated from a zone of disturbed weather that was first classified by the Météo-France office on Réunion (MFR) at 1200 UTC 11 February 2007. [2] Twelve hours later, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued their first advisory on the system. [1] [3] Midday on 12 February, the MFR upgraded the system into a tropical disturbance and noted that its rating at that time on the Dvorak technique was 2.0. [2]
According to the JTWC, an area of convection developed 340 mi (545 km) south-southwest of Diego Garcia. [1] Initially, however, the convection was not very concentrated near the center. However, sea surface temperatures in the area were somewhat warm so gradual intensification was predicted and the storm was projected to become a severe tropical storm within 48 hours. [4] Situated in an environment of low wind shear and good outflow, thunderstorm activity soon increased and thus started to consolidate around the storm's atmospheric circulation. Continuing to encounter more favorable conditions, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) on 14 February. [1] Meanwhile, MFR upgraded the system into a tropical depression. [2] Eighteen hours later, the system was named Favio by the Meteorological Services of Mauritius [1] as the system; according to MFR, had intensified into a moderate tropical storm. [2]
Moving very steadily southwest, [1] the storm gradually intensified. [2] Early on February 15, the JTWC announced that that system had intensified into a tropical storm. After intensifying slightly (based on JTWC data) that evening, the storm briefly weakened overnight, only to re-intensify the next morning. [3] On 16 February, Favio turned southwest in response to a large subtropical ridge. [1] Despite low wind shear, [5] Favio remained a moderate tropical storm for several days; however, on 18 February, MFR announced that Favio had intensified into a severe tropical storm. [2] Subsequently, the storm turned west as the ridge merged with another one centered over South Africa. [1] Two days later, the agency then upgraded the system into cyclone status. [2] At 00:00 UTC on 19 February, the JTWC upgraded the system into a Category 1 hurricane-equivalent on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS) [3] though not much additional intensification was predicted. [6]
Upon becoming a hurricane, thunderstorm activity began to develop around an eye. [7] Favio turned west-northwest, traversing the Mozambique Channel while beginning to deepen. [1] At 00:00 UTC 20 February, the JTWC declared that Favio had intensified into a Category 2 hurricane-equivalent on the SSHWS. [3] Several hours later, Favio was then upgraded into an intense tropical cyclone by MFR [2] as the system developed a very small eye. [8] Simultaneously, Cyclone Favio was upgraded into a Category 3 hurricane on the SSHWS via the JTWC. During the afternoon hours of 20 February, the JTWC reported that Favio had developed winds equivalent to Category 4 intensity. [3] That evening, MFR noted that Cyclone Favio had peaked in intensity, with winds of 120 mph (195 km/h), [2] becoming the most intense tropical cyclone south of the 25th parallel over the Mozambique Channel since the satellite era began. [9] Six hours later, the JTWC announced that Favio had peaked in intensity, with 140 mph (225 km/h) winds. This made Favio equal to a mid-level Category 4 hurricane. [3] At the time of its peak, Favio had developed a well-defined eye. [10]
Shortly after its peak, Cyclone Favio began to weaken; [3] the core of the storm started to become disrupted on the northwestern quadrant. [11] The JTWC expected Favio to continue to weaken, and dissipate within 48 hours over land. [12] The eye disappeared off of satellite imagery, [13] though by the early hours of 22 February, this feature had re-developed. [14] That afternoon, the storm was estimated to have made landfall in southern Mozambique. At that time, the JTWC reported winds of 105 mph (170 km/h), a Category 2 system on the SSHWS. [3] On the other hand, MFR estimated winds of 105 mph (170 km/h) (an intense tropical cyclone). [2] Upon making landfall, it did so on the seventh anniversary of the last intense tropical cyclone, Eline, to strike Mozambique. [15] Favio was also the first tropical cyclone to hit the country since Cyclone Japhet did during the 2002–03 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. [9] By early 23 February, the winds had dropped below hurricane-force according to the JTWC, while the storm dissipated later that day. [3] Around that time, MFR stopped monitoring the system as well. [2]
Prior to the arrival of Favio, flooding swept over Mozambique weeks earlier, forcing 163,000 persons to seek shelter. [16] The floods started in late December 2006 when the Cahora Bassa Dam overflowed its banks. The floods escalated in February 2007 when the Zambezi River broke its banks, flooding the surrounding areas in Mozambique. [17] [18] A total of 80,600 people were evacuated from their homes in the Tete, Manica, Sofala and Zambezia provinces on 14 February. [19] Twenty-nine people were confirmed dead due to the pre-Favio flood. [20]
While at peak intensity, the storm threatened Mozambique and forcing authorities to put the country on high alert. [21] The British Foreign Office also issued a travel warning to Britons who were planning visits along the Bazaruto Archipelago. [22] Additionally, the South African disaster management team was on full alert in the eastern portion of Mpumalanga. [23] In addition, thousands of volunteers were placed on stand by. [24]
Some residents of Vilankulo attempted to flee the area carrying belongings and children as the government urged residents to seek shelter on higher ground further inland before the storm hit. They evacuated many of the people who remained, taking them to tent camps. [25] Officials said that Favio could also bring heavy rains to Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. [26] Authorities in the latter issued a flood warning. [27] Because of the topography of the region, meteorologists noted the potential for flooding in Zimabawe. [28]
While intensifying, Cyclone Favio brushed the southern tip of Madagascar while bringing heavy rains to the nation. Along the southeastern portion of the nation, road access was reduced. Favio disrupted relief operations to 582,000 people, who were struggling to cope with a drought in the southern portion of the nation. Moreover, the cyclone disrupted relief efforts during an aftermath of flood that killed three persons and displaced 33,000 people throughout the country. [29] Overall, the cyclone was one of several storms to affect the nation during the season. [30]
About 130,000 homes suffered damage and 130 schools were leveled by the intense tropical cyclone in Mozambique. [31] In all, a total of ten people were killed by the storm and nearly 100 others were injured. [32] Combined with an earlier flood, Favio caused $71 million (2007 USD) in infrastructural damage. [16] About 64,000 people moved to tents during the storm, [25] and 33,000 people were displaced during the storm. [33] Cyclone Favio destroyed 277,000 ha (684,480 acres) of crops, primarily in Vilanculos, Inhassoro, Govuro, and Masinga districts in Inhambane Province. [16] Overall, 160,000 people were affected by the storm. [34]
Favio damaged the court in the resort town of Vilanculos in Southern Mozambique. Uprooted trees caused by the cyclone also blocked roads, cutting off access for rescuers to some homes. [35] Power was also cut off to the city. [33] The cyclone killed four people and injured at least 70 in the town, and thousands of homes were destroyed along with the hospital, where a total of 120 patients were evacuated. Additionally, 600 prisoners escaped when the local jail was demolished. [1] About 80% of the town was destroyed. [36] A total of 73,000 people were affected by the cyclone in Vilanculos. [37]
Elsewhere, the storm damaged trees and blew off rooftops in Pontagea, a highly populated suburb in the port city of Beira. [1] Cyclone Favio was responsible for widespread damage in Tofo Beach, where the storm uprooted palm trees and destroyed electric services. [38] Elsewhere, an airplane was crushed in an airport. [31]
In its formative stages, Favio dropped beneficial rainfall on Rodrigues island, reaching 217.6 mm (8.57 in) at Port Sud Est. Wind gusts on the island reached 114 km/h (71 mph). [39]
In Zimbabwe, the Bvumba Mountains received heavy winds and rain. Throughout the country, damage was minimal and was mostly due to the uprooting of trees and not nearly as bad as Cyclone Leon–Eline, which devastated the nation seven years prior. However, electricity supplies were severely damaged. In one location, 400 wooden electricity poles were knocked down. [40] Alongside moist air from the Intertropical Convergence Zone, Favio produced significant rains across much of Malawi, peaking at 121.7 mm (5 in) in Mimosa. [9] Furthermore, the remnants of the low struck southern Tanzania. Cyclone Favio also destroyed 56 houses in Hai. [41]
During the aftermath of the storm, South Africa offered helicopters to Mozambique to deliver food to shelters and to help Mozambican officials assess the situation aerially. [42] The disaster management minister of South Africa flew into Mozambique to survey the damage. [43] Due to the concern for potential disease epidemics including those of malaria and cholera, health officials raised public awareness through theaters and radio. A joint coalition of the United States Agency for International Development and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance provided $626,500, enabling transportation of 50,000 mosquito nets to the devastated area. [16] Oxfam International distributed 18,000 L (4,800 US gal) of clean water per day for 15,000 displaced people in the Caia and Marromeu districts and housed 8,000 residents in Chupanga, where they also distributed 5,500 bars of soap, more than 3,000 mosquito nets, and 1,600 buckets. The agency also built 50 baths and over 180 latrines. In Calia, Oxfam also distributed 1,400 nets. Marromeu was also supplied 900 mosquito nets via Calia. The agency also agreed to provide drinking water to the victims of Favio for four months. [44]
The nation's president flew into the destructed area, lifting survivors' spirits. Within 48 hours following Intense Tropical Cyclone Favio, roofs were being repaired, and power lines were gradually being restored. [31] Hundreds of local red cross staff and volunteers were utilized; they worked around the clock to assist survivors. Thirty-one recovery centers opened, hosting 400 first aid volunteers. [37] According to a South African website, the government was praised for how well and quickly they handled the crisis. [21] [45] Key food items (rice, beans, corn meal, cooking oil, soap, and sugar) were distributed to the affected areas. [46] On March 5, a plan was launched to provide victims for a total of $71 million worth of aid, of which $773,000 was expected to be directed towards the health. Meanwhile, water levels began to recede throughout the affected region. [47] Moreover, a total of 28,000 lb (12,700 kg) of aid were distributed through the central part of the nation, and provided clean water for 6,000 people. [48] About 200 tents were provided for victims whose roofs of their homes were blown off. [36] Furthermore, concerns rose about the potential outbreak of diseases like HIV. [49] Within three months after the cyclone, 85% of homes had used the aid they were given. [50]
The 1999–2000 South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season was the first on record in which two storms – Leon–Eline and Hudah – struck Mozambique at tropical cyclone intensity, or with maximum sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph). The most notable storm of the season was Eline, which was the third longest-lasting storm on record in the basin. It lasted for 29 days while traversing the southern Indian Ocean, making the strongest landfall in decades along eastern Madagascar in late February. The storm was the first in a series of three storms that struck the country in early 2000, along with Gloria in March and Hudah in April. Collectively, the three storms killed at least 316 people. The season started on November 1, 1999, and ended for most of the basin on April 30, 2000; for Mauritius and the Seychelles, the season continued until May 15. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the basin.
The 2006–07 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season featured the second-most intense tropical cyclones for a season in the tropical cyclone basin, only behind the 2018–19 season. The basin contains the waters of the Indian Ocean south of the equator and west of 90°E. Météo-France's meteorological office in Réunion (MFR), the official Regional Specialized Meteorological Center for the South-West Indian Ocean, tracked 15 tropical disturbances, of which eleven attained gale-force winds. The season began in October 2006 with a short-lived tropical disturbance, followed by Anita in November, which was the first named storm of the season. Cyclone Bondo was the first of six intense tropical cyclones, which took a rare track through the southern Seychelles before making landfall on northwest Madagascar, killing 11 people. Severe Tropical Storm Clovis lasted from December 2006 to January 2007; it struck eastern Madagascar, killing four people.
The 2002–03 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was one of the longest lasting and the third-most active season in the South-West Indian Ocean. Storms during the season impacted the Mascarene Islands, Seychelles, Madagascar, and countries in south-eastern Africa. The season began early when an unnamed tropical storm struck Seychelles in September, becoming the most damaging storm there in 50 years. The next system, Atang, was the first named storm of the season, but was only a tropical depression; it was named due to the threat to an outer island of Mauritius. Atang later struck Tanzania in a climatologically unusual area in November, resulting in unconfirmed deaths of fishermen. The first named storm to reach tropical storm intensity was Boura, which brushed the Mascarene Islands with gusty winds and rainfall. In December, Cyclone Crystal threatened to strike Mauritius but instead veered eastward, and later, Tropical Storm Delfina lasted from late December through early January 2003. Delfina damaged or destroyed thousands of houses in Mozambique and Malawi, killing 54 people.
The 2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season had the earliest named storm since 1992. Many storms formed in the north-east portion of the basin, and several more originated around Australia. The basin is defined as the waters of the Indian Ocean west of longitude 90°E to the coast of Africa and south of the equator. Eleven tropical storms formed, compared to an average of nine. Tropical systems were present during 73 days, which was significantly higher than the average of 58 for this basin.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Gamede was among the wettest tropical cyclones on record, dropping more than 5.5 m (18 ft) of rain in a nine-day period on Réunion island in the southwest Indian Ocean. The seventh named storm of the 2006–07 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Gamede formed south of Diego Garcia on February 19 as a tropical disturbance. It tracked generally westward and steadily intensified, reaching tropical cyclone status on February 23. For two days, Gamede stalled northwest of the Mascarene Islands as an intense tropical cyclone, during which it reached 10 minute maximum sustained winds of winds of 165 km/h (105 mph), according to the Météo-France meteorological office in Réunion (MFR). The American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak 1 minute winds of 195 km/h (120 mph), equivalent to a Category 3 on the Saffir–Simpson scale. For four days, Gamede remained within 400 km (250 mi) of Réunion before accelerating southward. On March 2, Gamede transitioned into an extratropical cyclone to the southeast of Madagascar. The MFR tracked the storm for four more days.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Jokwe was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in Mozambique since Cyclone Favio struck in the previous year, and was the most recent cyclone to make landfall on Mozambique until Cyclone Dineo in 2017. The tenth named storm of the 2007–08 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Jokwe was first classified as a tropical depression on 2 March over the open Southwest Indian Ocean. It tracked west-southwest, crossing northern Madagascar as a tropical storm on 5 March before intensifying into a tropical cyclone on 6 March. Jokwe rapidly intensified to reach peak winds of 195 km/h (121 mph), before weakening slightly and striking Nampula Province in northeastern Mozambique. It quickly weakened while paralleling the coastline, though the storm restrengthened as it turned southward in the Mozambique Channel. Late in its duration, it remained nearly stationary for several days, and steadily weakened due to wind shear before dissipating on 16 March.
The 2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a slightly above average event in tropical cyclone formation. It began on November 15, 2008, and officially ended on April 30, 2009, with the exception for Mauritius and the Seychelles, for which it ended on May 15, 2009. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. Tropical cyclones in this basin were monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Bondo was the first of a series of six tropical cyclones to impact Madagascar during the 2006–07 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. Bondo developed on 15 December in the central Indian Ocean, west of Diego Garcia. After strengthening into a moderate tropical storm on 18 December, the storm rapidly intensified while moving westward, taking advantage of favorable atmospheric conditions. Within 18 hours of being named, Bondo intensified to tropical cyclone status, or the equivalent of a minimal hurricane. The Météo-France office on Réunion (MFR) estimated peak 10-minute sustained winds of 205 km/h (125 mph), although the American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated stronger 1-minute winds of 250 km/h (155 mph). While near peak intensity, Bondo passed just south of Agaléga island, before weakening slightly and moving through the Farquhar Group of islands belonging to the Seychelles, becoming the strongest cyclone to affect that island group in decades. Bondo turned southwestward, and after brushing the northern coast of Madagascar, the cyclone made landfall near Mahajanga on 25 December. The storm continued southward, and was last tracked by the MFR on 28 December.
The 2012–13 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a slightly above average event in tropical cyclone formation in the Southern hemisphere tropical cyclone year starting on July 1, 2012, and ending on June 30, 2013. Within this basin, tropical and subtropical disturbances are officially monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre on Réunion island, while the Mauritius and Madagascar weather services assign names to significant tropical and subtropical disturbances. The first tropical disturbance of the season developed on October 12 and rapidly developed into the earliest known intense tropical cyclone on record during October 14.
The 2014–15 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an above average event in tropical cyclone formation. It began on November 15, 2014, and ended on April 30, 2015, with the exception for Mauritius and the Seychelles, for which it ended on May 15, 2015. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical and subtropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion.
Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Hudah was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that affected Southeast Africa in April 2000. It was the last in a series of three cyclones that impacted Madagascar during the year. Hudah first developed as a disturbance embedded within the monsoon trough on 22 March, within the Australian region cyclone basin. Moving westward as the result of a strong subtropical ridge to its south, the storm quickly intensified, and reached Category 2 cyclone intensity on 25 March before entering the Southwest Indian cyclone basin. For various reasons that remain unknown, the cyclone was only designated a name by the time it had crossed into the area of responsibility of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in Réunion. Nonetheless, Météo-France (MFR) assigned the name Hudah to the cyclone. An eye formed, and the storm intensified into a tropical cyclone on 27 March well to the southeast of Diego Garcia. On 1 April, the MFR upgraded it to a very intense tropical cyclone, estimating peak 10-minute winds of 225 km/h (140 mph). By contrast, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated 1-minute winds of 235 km/h (146 mph). At this time, the MFR estimated the pressure to have been 905 hPa (mbar), making Hudah the most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 2000. Cyclone Hudah maintained peak winds until making landfall just southeast of Antalaha, Madagascar on 2 April. It weakened greatly over land, but re-attained tropical cyclone status on 5 April after moving over the Mozambique Channel. Hudah reached 10-minute winds of 160 km/h (99 mph) by the time it made landfall on Mozambique near Pebane, Mozambique, on 8 April, and dissipated by the next day.
Tropical Cyclone Haruna was a deadly storm that produced widespread flooding and a disease outbreak in southwestern Madagascar. The ninth system of the season, Haruna developed in the Mozambique Channel in the middle of February 2013 between Mozambique and southwestern Madagascar. Initially moving northward over Mozambique, the disturbance later moved slowly southward, gradually strengthening into the eighth named storm of the season and later into an intense tropical cyclone. The Météo-France office in Réunion (MFR) – the official Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in the basin – estimated the cyclone attained peak 10 minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (95 mph). Haruna made landfall near Morombe in southwestern Madagascar on February 22. It weakened significantly while crossing the country, and MFR discontinued advisories on February 24 after the storm had emerged into the Indian Ocean.
Throughout the month of February 1997, as a consequence of an active Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) tropical cyclogenesis was quite common over the southern Indian Ocean, and especially the Mozambique Channel. Two storms in particular, Cyclone Josie and Tropical Storm Lisette formed in the Channel and inundated much of Mozambique.
Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Hellen of March 2014 was one of the most powerful tropical cyclones in the Mozambique Channel on record, as well as the most intense of the 2013–14 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. Hellen formed on March 26 in the northern portion of the channel, and the storm brought rainfall to coastal Mozambique while in its formative stages. While moving southeastward, it developed an organized area of convection over the center of circulation. Warm waters allowed Hellen to rapidly intensify while passing south of the Comoros, with a well-defined eye forming in the middle of the thunderstorms. The cyclone attained peak intensity March 30, with maximum sustained winds estimated 230 km/h (145 mph) according to the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center, Météo-France in La Réunion. Subsequently, Hellen weakened quickly due to dry air and land interaction with Madagascar, and the storm's eye dissipated. On March 31, the storm made landfall in northwestern Madagascar as a weakened cyclone, despite previous forecasts for the center to remain over water. By April 1, Hellen was no longer a tropical cyclone after most of the convection dissipated. The remnants turned to the west, moving over Mozambique without redeveloping, later dissipating on April 5.
The 2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was the costliest and the most active season ever recorded. Additionally, it is also the deadliest cyclone season recorded in the South-West Indian Ocean, surpassing the 1891–92 season in which the 1892 Mauritius cyclone devastated the island of Mauritius, and is mainly due to Cyclone Idai. The season was an event of the annual cycle of tropical cyclone and subtropical cyclone formation in the South-West Indian Ocean basin. It officially began on 15 November 2018, and ended on 30 April 2019, except for Mauritius and the Seychelles, which it ended on 15 May 2019. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical and subtropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in Mozambique since modern records began. The cyclone also caused significant damage in the Comoro Islands and Tanzania. The fourteenth tropical storm, record-breaking tenth tropical cyclone, and ninth intense tropical cyclone of the 2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Kenneth formed from a vortex that the Météo-France office on La Réunion (MFR) first mentioned on 17 April. The MFR monitored the system over the next several days, before designating it as Tropical Disturbance 14 on 21 April. The disturbance was located in a favorable environment to the north of Madagascar, which allowed it to strengthen into a tropical depression and later a tropical storm, both on the next day. The storm then began a period of rapid intensification, ultimately peaking as an intense tropical cyclone with 10-minute sustained winds of 215 km/h (134 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 934 hPa. At that time, Kenneth began to undergo an eyewall replacement cycle and weakened slightly, before making landfall later that day as an intense tropical cyclone. As a result of land interaction, Kenneth became disorganised as it made landfall and rapidly degenerated thereafter. The storm then shifted southward, with the MFR cancelling all major warnings for inland cities. Kenneth was reclassified as an overland depression after landfall, with the MFR issuing its warning at midnight UTC on 26 April. Thunderstorm activity developed off the coast of Mozambique on 27 April as the system began drifting northward. Kenneth re-emerged off the coast of northern Mozambique on 28 April, before dissipating on the next day.
The 2020–21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an above-average season which produced 12 named storms, with 7 strengthening into tropical cyclones. The season started with the formation of Cyclone Alicia in the extreme northeast section of the basin on 12 November 2020, just before the official start of the season, which marked the third season in a row in which a tropical cyclone formed before the official start of the season. It officially began on 15 November 2020, and ended with the dissipation of Cyclone Jobo on 24 April, 6 days before the official end on 30 April 2021, with the exception of Mauritius and the Seychelles, which officially ended on 15 May 2021. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical and subtropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion and unofficially by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
The 2021–22 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season featured the record latest start for the first system to develop. Despite the late start, it was an above-average season that produced 12 named storms, with 5 becoming tropical cyclones. The season began on 15 November 2021, and ended on 30 April 2022, with the exception for Mauritius and the Seychelles, for which it ended on 15 May 2022. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical and subtropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. However, tropical cyclones that form at any time between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 will count towards the season total. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion and unofficially by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Tropical Cyclone Gombe was a strong tropical cyclone that affected Mozambique. It became the first storm to make a major landfall in Nampula Province in Mozambique since Cyclone Jokwe in 2008. The eighth tropical storm, fourth tropical cyclone and fourth intense tropical cyclone of the 2021–22 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Gombe originated from a tropical disturbance located off the coast of Madagascar. This area of convection was designated by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center as Invest 97S on 6 March. The next day, it began to slowly move westward and executed a loop as it became more organized, which prompted Météo-France Reunion (MFR) to note the system as Zone of Disturbed Weather 09. The system became a depression on 9 March, and became a moderate tropical storm the same day. Soon after being named, Gombe made landfall in Madagascar, and entered in the Mozambique Channel the next day. The storm continued its westward motion while slowly intensifying, and was upgraded to a Tropical Cyclone by the MFR on 10 March. Closing in on Nampula Province, the storm underwent rapid intensification, and was upgraded to the fourth Intense Tropical Cyclone of the year and reached its peak intensity on 11 march, with maximum 10-minute sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph), maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), and a minimum central pressure of 960 hectopascals (28 inHg). The storm proceeded to make landfall, and quickly lost its convection over land. On 12 March, Gombe degenerated into a remnant low overland. However, the system subsequently turned southeastward and reemerged over water, before briefly regenerating into a tropical depression on 17 March. Gombe dissipated later that day.
The 2022–23 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was one of the deadliest South-West Indian cyclone seasons on record, mostly due to Cyclone Freddy. It officially began on 15 November 2022, and ended on 30 April 2023, with the exception for Mauritius and the Seychelles, for which it ended on 15 May 2023. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical and subtropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. However, tropical cyclones can form year-round, and all tropical cyclones that form between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 will be part of the season. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion and unofficially by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The season was average in terms of the number of systems that formed, with nine systems becoming at least moderate tropical storms, and six reaching tropical cyclone strength. Activity began early, with the first two systems developing in September and October, and ended late with Fabien in May.
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