Cyclone Ita

Last updated

Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
Disc Plain black.svg Tropical cyclone
Solid black.svg Subtropical cyclone
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On 1 April 2014, a broad, poorly-defined area of low pressure consolidated over the Solomon Islands. Initially only accompanied by flaring convection, the system persisted in a region of low wind shear and strong outflow which promoted gradual development. [1] Upon formation, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) office in Brisbane monitored the system as a tropical low. [2] Banding features gradually developed and wrapped around the circulation and deep convection became persistent by 2 April. [3] A large central dense overcast developed over the low early on 3 April, prompting the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. [4]

After moving away from Papua New Guinea, Ita underwent explosive intensification and attained its peak intensity as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone early on 11 April. Winds were estimated to have reached 220 km/h (140 mph) alongside a minimum central pressure of 922  mbar (hPa; 27.23  inHg). Turning to the south-southeast, the storm weakened somewhat before making landfall near Cape Flattery as a Category 4 later on 11 April. An automated weather station on Lizard Island, roughly 5 km (3.1 mi) from the storm's centre, recorded a pressure of 954 mbar (hPa; 28.17 inHg). Once onshore Ita weakened dramatically to a Category 1 within 18 hours. Maintaining gale-force winds the storm turned southwest and accelerated, eventually moving offshore north of Mackay on 13 April. The following day Ita transitioned into an extratropical cyclone as it moved away from Australia and towards New Zealand. [5] Ita's extratropical remnants combined with a low pressure system to the south and re-intensified. On 17 April, the low-level circulation center of the storm collapsed, as Ita affected New Zealand, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds. [6] On 18 April, Ita's remnants curved to the west and the south, before dissipating offshore of New Zealand later on the same day.

Preparations and impact

Solomon Islands

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita
Ita Apr 11 2014 0355Z.jpg
Cyclone Ita at peak intensity nearing landfall in Queensland on 11 April
Deaths and damage by country
CountryTotal
deaths		Total damages
(US$)
Australia0$1 billion
New Zealand0$42.9 million
Papua New Guinea 0—
Solomon Islands 40$107.8 million
Sources cited in text.

As the precursor tropical low to Cyclone Ita affected the Solomon Islands, local authorities issued heavy flood warnings, tropical disturbance and cyclone watches. [7]

Nearly two days of continuous heavy rains from the storm caused flash flooding in the Solomon Islands. [8] Over a four-day span, more than 1,000 mm (39 in) fell at the Gold Ridge mine in Guadalcanal, with 500 mm (20 in) falling in a 24‑hour span. [9] The Matanikau River, which runs through the capital city Honiara, broke its banks on 3 April and devastated nearby communities. Thousands of homes along with the city's two main bridges were washed away, stranding numerous residents. [8] The national hospital had to evacuate 500 patients to other facilities due to flooding. [10] Graham Kenna from Save the Children stated that, "the scale of destruction is like something never seen before in the Solomon Islands." [11] According to Permanent Secretary Melchoir Mataki, the majority of homes destroyed in Honiara were built on a flood plain where construction was not allowed. [12]

Severe flooding took place on Guadalcanal. [8]

Throughout the Solomon Islands, 22 people were killed while an estimated 50,000 people were affected by the floods. [13] Approximately 9,000 were left homeless. [12] [14] Total economic losses from the disaster were tremendous, amounting to SI$787.3 million (US$107.8 million) or roughly 9.2 percent of the country's gross domestic product. [15]

Papua New Guinea

Animated infrared satellite loop of Cyclone Ita on 8 April developing off the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea. Cyclone Ita ir lalo-animated.gif
Animated infrared satellite loop of Cyclone Ita on 8 April developing off the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea.

Ahead of Ita affecting Papua New Guinea, the National Weather Service issued tropical cyclone warnings for all island and coastal communities in Milne Bay Province. [16] The NWS also urged people in the East and West New Britain provinces, New Ireland and Bougainville, the southeast sector of the Solomon Sea and North Coral Sea areas to take precautions. [16] All schools and businesses were closed for several days in Milne Bay while residents were urged to remain indoors. [17]

The storm brought unusually heavy rains and strong winds to Milne Bay Province and the National Capital District. The hardest hit areas were the islands of Rossell, Misima, Samarai, Woodlark, Sau, and Vanatinai. Unconfirmed reports of casualties were received from these areas. [17] On Ware Island, 54 homes and 1 classroom were destroyed. [18] Along the mainland, Alotau experienced strong winds that downed trees and power lines, leaving many without power, and flooding that destroyed homes. [17] Throughout Milne Bay, an estimated 62,000 people were affected by the storm. [18] Some flooding was reported in Port Moresby. [19] Further north in Jiwaka Province, the a bridge along the Highlands Highway crossing the Tuman River was washed away. [20] Officials in Milne Bay Province stated that 1,159 homes were destroyed by the storm; however, local authorities claimed thousands more collapsed. [21]

Australia

Ahead of the cyclone affecting Cape York, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a cyclone watch on 9 April, for the far northern Queensland coast between Cape Grenville and Port Douglas. The Bureau predicted it to reach category five and would be the most severe storm to affect Queensland since Cyclone Yasi in 2011. [22] On 10 April, Cyclone Ita was upgraded to category five, with a cyclone warning issued for the far northern Queensland coast between Lockhart River and Cairns. [23] In anticipation of the Cyclone, tourists and staff were evacuated from a holiday resort on Lizard Island on 10 April. As Ita neared landfall, all residents in Cooktown and Hopevale were advised to evacuate either to a community cyclone shelter or to leave the towns. [24]

Satellite estimated rainfall map from 1-13 April showing accumulations throughout Ita's path. The highest amounts, 560 to 600 mm (22 to 24 in), fell just off the coast of Papua New Guinea and over the Coral Sea. The heaviest rains in Australia were confined to areas west of Ingham and Townsville. Cyclone Ita 2014 two week rainfall.jpg
Satellite estimated rainfall map from 1–13 April showing accumulations throughout Ita's path. The highest amounts, 560 to 600 mm (22 to 24 in), fell just off the coast of Papua New Guinea and over the Coral Sea. The heaviest rains in Australia were confined to areas west of Ingham and Townsville.

Though a weakened storm at landfall, Ita brought damaging winds to coastal areas around Cape Flattery where gusts peaked at 160 km/h (99 mph). An automated weather station on Lizard Island recorded gusts up to 155 km/h (96 mph) before the anemometer failed. Cooktown, the closest populated area to where the storm moved ashore, experienced winds up to 125 km/h (78 mph). Gale-force winds affected areas as far south as the Northumberland Islands, [5] with Mackay recording gusts up to 94 km/h (58 mph). [26] A minor storm surge accompanied the cyclone; however, it coincided with low-tide and had limited effects. Minor flora damage was reported at Mackay, in the heart of city the top of a palm tree was blown off by the high winds. In Shoal Point minor damage was reported with some branches fell with one damaging a fence.

The greatest impact from Ita resulted from heavy rains, with many areas receiving up to 300 mm (12 in) in 24 hours. Cardwell reported an April record 307.0 mm (12.09 in) of rain in 24 hours, [27] while in Tully 312.0 mm (12.28 in) of rain fell over two days, [28] causing moderate flooding in both towns. In Bowen, 110 mm (4.3 in) fell in one-hour, triggering a flash flood through the towns main street. [5] Cooktown received 197.8 mm (7.79 in) of rain over a three-day span. [29] The Daintree, Mulgrave, Haughton, and Herbert rivers all experienced major flooding. [5] Townsville reported 214.2 mm (8.43 in) of rain and wind gusts of up to 93 km/h (58 mph) causing only minor damage. [5] The outer bands of the Ita caused heavy rain and storms as far south as the Wide Bay–Burnett region as it tracked back out to sea again, Kingaroy recorded 50.4 mm (1.98 in) in less than an hour from a severe thunderstorm, [30] while The Town of 1770 received 81.6 mm (3.21 in). [31]

Cooktown experienced the greatest structural damage from winds, with 200 homes affected, of which 16 were severely damaged or destroyed. [5] Many buildings, including a 140‑year‑old hotel in the town centre, lost their roof. Power was cut to the whole town and many trees were uprooted and destroyed; however, no injuries were reported as the majority of the towns residents were safe in the towns community cyclone shelter. [32]

Heavy rain caused moderate flooding throughout most of North Queensland, five people were rescued from floodwaters between Cooktown and Cairns and flooding in the Daintree River threatened several properties in Mossman, while further south a few low-lying houses were inundated in Ingham. [33] Several houses were also flooded from a minor storm surge in Cairns, however damage was limited. [34]

Total economic damage from Cyclone Ita amounted to A$1.1 billion (US$1 billion). [35] The greatest losses took place in the agricultural sector, with a 700 km (430 mi) stretch of sugarcane country suffering damage. Roughly 80 percent of the sugarcane crop in the Herbert River District was destroyed with the remaining crops damaged. Insurance companies initially estimated that claims could match those from Cyclone Oswald in 2013; [36] however, insured losses only reached A$8.4 million (US$7.9 million). [35]

New Zealand

Storm surge from the remnants of Ita in Auckland near Tamaki Drive Cyclone Ita water rise in Auckland, New Zealand.jpg
Storm surge from the remnants of Ita in Auckland near Tamaki Drive

The remnants of Ita brought heavy rains and strong winds to much of New Zealand on 17 April. Winds, peaking at 130 km/h (81 mph) in Westport, downed many trees and power lines. [37] [38] Much of the country experienced gale-force winds, though the North Island and northwestern areas of the South Island bore the brunt of the storm. Numerous cars were rolled by the winds, including one which was blown off a bridge over the Haast River. Buses transporting workers from the Stockton Mine were also knocked over. Much of Westport was isolated by downed trees and the whole Buller District was left without electricity when the transmission lines were damaged. In Auckland, tidal and flash flooding closed several roads and trapped residents. Gusts on the Auckland Harbour Bridge peaked at 100 km/h (62 mph). Throughout Auckland, at least 15,000 people were without power. [38]

Entire hillsides reportedly collapsed in rural areas of Clarence and Ward. Agricultural damage in parts of the South Island were compared to Cyclone Bola in 1988, a storm regarded as one of the worst to ever strike New Zealand. [39] Throughout the Grey District, 39 homes were rendered uninhabitable while at least 60 other structures sustained varying degrees of damage. Losses in the district were estimated to be in excess of NZ$20 million (US$17.1 million). [40] Throughout New Zealand, insured losses amounted to NZ$55.3 million (US$42.9 million). [41]

Aftermath

In November 2014, the name Ita was retired from the list of names in the Australian basin and replaced with Ivana. [42] In a situation unusual for a cyclone name, a second unused name on the pre-2014 list, Ira, [43] would also be replaced at the same time by Irving due to similar spelling and pronunciation. Irving would ultimately be used for the first time in the 2017-18 season.

Solomon Islands

Relief supplies from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Relief supplies for Solomon Islands (13841468084).jpg
Relief supplies from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Soon after the floods, Honiara and Guadalcanal were declared disaster areas by the Solomon Government. [44] Debris left behind by the floods initially hampered relief efforts, with the runway at Honiara International Airport blocked by two destroyed homes. Food supplies started running low as the Red Cross provided aid to the thousands homeless. The airport was reopened on 6 April, allowing for supplies from Australia and New Zealand to be delivered. [14] Roughly 20 percent of Honiara population relocated to evacuation centers as entire communities were swept away. [45]

New Zealand offered an immediate NZ$300,000 in funds and deployed a C-130 Hercules with supplies and emergency response personnel. [45] Australia donated A$250,000 on 6 April and sent engineers and response teams to aid in relief efforts. [46] On 8 April, Australia increased its aid package to A$3 million while New Zealand provided an additional NZ$1.2 million. [12] [47] Papua New Guinea and Taiwan provided PGK  1 million and US$200,000 in funds, respectively. [48] [49]

In the immediate aftermath of the floods, there were fears that the flooding could worsen an already ongoing dengue fever outbreak and cause outbreaks of diarrhea and conjunctivitis. [12] Over the following two months, a widespread rotavirus outbreak unfolded in Honiara, Guadalcanal, and Gizo, with more than 1,000 people falling ill. Severe cases of diarrhea became common among children, with 18 dying as a result in early June. [50] [51] By mid-July, the outbreak was fully contained with no further cases of the disease. [52] Additionally, 24 people contracted leprosy in Honiara within a shelter. [53]

Papua New Guinea

On 15 April, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Speaker of Parliament Theo Zurenuoc provided PGK300,000 (US$113,700) in funds to Milne Bay Province. [21] The Papua New Guinea Defence Force was dispatched to deliver relief supplies to the region. Damage surveys were conducted simultaneously using the Defense Force's helicopters to determine the areas in need of the most immediate aid. [54] Ten relief teams were dispatched on 16 April to assist with clean up efforts. The nation's health office also warned of the dangers of post-storm diseases due to damaged sewer systems. Communications with the outermost islands of the province remained difficult and limited to short-distance radio. [55] By 17 April, a barge with 57 bales of rice was sent to Wari island where thousands of residents were in need of food. [56]

Australia

Owing to the severity of agricultural damage, the average cost of avocados, bananas, iceberg lettuce, and papayas increased. [57]

Earthquakes

On 4 April (5 April local time [8] ) a 6.0  MW earthquake, with its epicenter on Makira Island, struck the Solomon Islands. [58] Though no reports of damage were received in relation to it, officials were concerned about the possibility of landslides resulting from it. [8] Two more large earthquakes, a 7.1 MW followed by a 6.5 MW, struck near the region on 11 April; [59] [60] resulting in two deaths and causing significant damage in parts of Papua New Guinea. [61] [62] On 12 April, a 7.6 MW earthquake occurred just south of Makira Island and was followed by a 7.4 MW the next day. [63] [64] Though the earthquakes only produced a localised tsunami, with limited effects, [65] they prompted evacuations and delayed relief efforts across the Solomon Islands. [66] Another tsunami warning was issued on 19 April following two more large earthquakes, 6.6 MW and 7.5 MW, near Papua New Guinea. [67] [68] [69]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Total fatalities includes indirect deaths from a rotavirus outbreak related to the cyclone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Ingrid</span> 2005 Australian region cyclone

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ingrid was a powerful tropical cyclone which struck northern Australia during the 2004–05 Australian region cyclone season. Its minimum pressure was 924 mbar (hPa).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2003–04 Australian region cyclone season</span> Cyclone season in the Australian region

The 2003–04 Australian region cyclone season was a slightly below average tropical cyclone season. It began on 1 November 2003 and ended on 30 April 2004. The regional tropical cyclone operational plan also defines a tropical cyclone year separately from a tropical cyclone season, which runs from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season was the most active and longest tropical cyclone season since 1997–98, with ten tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific basin between 160°E and 120°W. The season started earlier than normal, with two systems developing before the official start of the season on November 1, 2002, while the final system dissipated on June 9, 2003, after the season had officially ended on April 30. During the season, tropical cyclones were officially monitored by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, Fiji and the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres in Brisbane, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand. The United States Armed Forces through the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), also monitored the basin and issued unofficial warnings for American interests. RSMC Nadi attaches a number and an F suffix to tropical disturbances that occur within the basin, while the JTWC designates significant tropical cyclones with a number and a P suffix. RSMC Nadi, TCWC Wellington and TCWC Brisbane all use the Australian Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale and estimate windspeeds over a ten-minute period, while the JTWC estimates sustained winds over a one-minute period, which are subsequently compared to the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale (SSHS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Guba</span> Category 3 Australian region cyclone in 2007

Severe Tropical Cyclone Guba was the most recent tropical cyclone to form in the Port Moresby area of responsibility. The storm resulted in 149 fatalities and severe damage across southeastern Papua New Guinea in November 2007. The firstly-named cyclone of the 2007–08 Australian region cyclone season, Guba formed on 13 November 2007 close to the island of New Guinea, and reached tropical cyclone intensity the next day by the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (TCWC) in Brisbane, with the TCWC in Port Moresby assigning the name Guba. It meandered in the northern Coral Sea for the next week, strengthening to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone on 16 November. It posed a threat to the Australian Cape York Peninsula, but remained offshore, and finally dissipated on 20 November.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1996–97 Australian region cyclone season</span>

The 1996–97 Australian region cyclone season was an above average tropical cyclone season. It ran from 1 November 1996 to 30 April 1997. The regional tropical cyclone operational plan also defines a tropical cyclone year separately from a tropical cyclone season, and the "tropical cyclone year" ran from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1971–72 Australian region cyclone season</span>

The 1971–72 Australian region cyclone season was a very active tropical cyclone season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1985–86 Australian region cyclone season</span>

The 1985–86 Australian region cyclone season was an above average tropical cyclone season. It officially started on 1 November 1985, and officially ended on 30 April 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclones Katrina and Victor–Cindy</span>

Severe Tropical Cyclones Katrina and Victor–Cindy were a long-lived pair of related tropical cyclones, which moved around the coast of northeastern Australia during parts of January and February 1998, before eventually moving into the southern Indian Ocean. Katrina was the fourth tropical cyclone and named storm of the 1997–98 Australian region cyclone season; Victor–Cindy was the seventh tropical cyclone and named storm of the 1997–98 Australian region cyclone season; after moving into the South-West Indian Ocean, Victor–Cindy became the fifth tropical cyclone and the fourth named storm of the 1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. Katrina developed on 1 January and meandered within the Coral Sea between the Queensland coast and Vanuatu for the next three weeks, before degenerating into a remnant low near Far North Queensland on 25 January. After its decay, the remnants of Katrina moved westward over Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria, before regenerating into Cyclone Victor on February 8, after which the system moved through the Northern Territory and into the Indian Ocean, over the course of the next week. Upon reaching the Indian Ocean on 16 February, the system was named "Cindy" by Mauritius, before eventually dissipating on 19 February.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Aivu</span>

Severe Tropical Cyclone Aivu was a powerful late-season tropical cyclone that caused extensive damage across parts of Queensland, Australia in April 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Yasi</span> Category 5 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone in 2011

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that made landfall in northern Queensland, Australia in early 2011, causing major damage to the affected areas. Originating as a tropical low near Fiji on 26 January, the system intensified to tropical cyclone status during the evening of 30 January. Yasi deepened rapidly over the next 24 hours, and was classified as a Category 3 cyclone at about 5 PM AEST on 31 January 2011. Late on 1 February, the cyclone strengthened to a Category 4 system; then, early on 2 February, the cyclone intensified into a Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone. The system had a well-defined eye and continued to track west-southwestward, maintaining a central pressure of 930 hPa and a Dvorak intensity of T6.5 into the evening.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Rewa</span> Category 5 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone in 1993 and 1994

Severe Tropical Cyclone Rewa affected six countries and caused 22 deaths on its 28-day journey across the South Pacific Ocean in December 1993 and January 1994. Cyclone Rewa developed from a tropical disturbance on 28 December south of Nauru. After forming, Rewa moved southwest through the Solomon Islands, crossing the 160th meridian east from the South Pacific basin into the Australian region. The cyclone began to strengthen steadily and turned southward, paralleling the eastern Australian coast through 31 December. Rewa reached its initial peak intensity as a Category 4 tropical cyclone on 2 January. It maintained this intensity for about 12 hours before an increase in wind shear induced its weakening by 3 January. The cyclone turned southeastward and moved back into the South Pacific basin on 4 January, before it passed over New Caledonia between 5–6 January. After affecting New Caledonia, Rewa weakened to a tropical depression and turned northwestward before re-entering the Australian basin on 10 January.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013–14 Australian region cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 2013–14 Australian region cyclone season was a slightly below-average tropical cyclone season, with 10 tropical cyclones occurring within the Australian region. It officially started on 1 November 2013, and ended on 30 April 2014. The regional tropical cyclone operational plan defines a "tropical cyclone year" separately from a "tropical cyclone season"; the "tropical cyclone year" began on 1 July 2013 and ended on 30 June 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Fran</span> South Pacific and Australian region cyclone in 1992

Severe Tropical Cyclone Fran was the third tropical cyclone within four weeks to impact Vanuatu in 1992. Fran formed on 4 March and then gradually intensified, with winds reaching gale-force on 5 March, and hurricane-force a few days later. Few days later, Cyclone Fran reached severe tropical cyclone status near Vanuatu, and also became a powerful Category 5-equivalent on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. The storm weakened somewhat due to land interaction, but briefly re-intensified after moving away from land. Fran gradually weakened over the next several days over less favorable conditions. Meanwhile, the storm passed north of New Caledonia. Eventually, as a Category 2 system on the Australian scale, Fran made landfall on Queensland on 16 March. Afterwards, Cyclone Fran turned towards the southeast and eventually headed back out to sea, eventually dissipating the next day. On Efate, over 130 houses lost roofs. Along Queensland, two rivers sustained major flooding, but no deaths were attributed to this cyclone. Total damage from the system was AU$8–10 million. Moderate damage was also reported in Fiji. In New Caledonia, the storm brought flooding and landslides.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Beni</span> Category 5 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone in 2003

Severe Tropical Cyclone Beni was an intense tropical cyclone that affected four countries, on its 18-day journey across the South Pacific Ocean during January and February 2003. The system originally developed during 19 January as a weak tropical disturbance within the monsoon trough, to the northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands. Over the next few days the system gradually developed further before it was classified as a tropical cyclone and named Beni during 24 January.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1985–86 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 1985–86 South Pacific cyclone season was an average tropical cyclone season, in terms of tropical cyclone formation, with ten tropical cyclones occurring within the basin between 160°E and 120°W. The season ran from February 5, 1985, to May 22, 1986, with tropical cyclones officially monitored by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and New Zealand's MetService. The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and other national meteorological services including Météo-France and NOAA also monitored the basin during the season. During the season there was nine tropical cyclones occurring within the basin, including three that moved into the basin from the Australian region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Namu</span> Category 3 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone in 1986

Severe Tropical Cyclone Namu was considered to be one of the worst tropical cyclones to impact the Solomon Islands on record, after it caused over 100 deaths within the island nations. It was first noted as a weak tropical depression to the north of the Solomon Islands during May 15, 1986. Over the next couple of days, the storm steadily intensified while meandering. After briefly moving west, the storm attained Category 2 intensity on the Australian intensity scale on May 18, as it moved through the island chain on the next day. Cyclone Namu attained peak intensity of 150 km/h (90 mph). After retaining its peak intensity for a day, Namu turned south and weakened steadily. By May 21, the winds of Cyclone Namu had been reduced to only 80 km/h (50 mph). Continuing to weaken, Namu turned east and dissipated on May 22, away from the island chain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Joy</span> Storm that hit Australia in late 1990

Severe Tropical Cyclone Joy struck Australia in late 1990, causing the third highest floods on record in Rockhampton, Queensland. This cyclone began as a weak tropical low near the Solomon Islands, and initially moved westward. On 18 December, it was named Joy, becoming the 2nd named storm of the 1990–91 Australian region cyclone season. After turning southwest, Joy developed a well-defined eye and strengthened to maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h (103 mph) while approaching Cairns in Far North Queensland. Brushing the city with strong winds, the cyclone soon weakened and turned southeast. Joy later curved back southwest, making landfall near Townsville, Queensland on 26 December. It dissipated the next day; remnant moisture continued as torrential rainfall over Queensland for two weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Winifred</span> Category 3 Australian region cyclone in 1986

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winifred was the worst tropical cyclone to make landfall in northern Queensland and the first since Althea in 1971 to inflict significant damage on the northeastern coast of Australia. The sixth named storm of the 1985–86 Australian region cyclone season, Winifred originated as a tropical low north of Cairns, Queensland on 27 January 1986. Slowly organizing, the system was recognized as a tropical cyclone after gaining tropical characteristics on 30 January, christened with the name Winifred the same day. Meandering southward, the cyclone began to curve southeastward that evening before suddenly turning toward the coast, southwestward, on 31 January, steadily intensifying in that time. By the time it came ashore near Silkwood, Queensland at 0445 UTC on 1 February, it was producing Category 3-force winds on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale and a minimum atmospheric pressure of 957 mbar (28.38 inHg). Weakening as it drifted inland, Winifred persisted as a tropical depression for another five days after landfall before finally dissipating on 5 February.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Trevor</span> 2019 Australia tropical cyclone

Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor was a powerful and large tropical cyclone that caused major damages across Papua New Guinea, Northern Territory and Queensland during March 2019. The twentieth tropical low, seventh tropical cyclone, and fourth severe tropical cyclone of the 2018-19 Australian region cyclone season, Trevor originated from a tropical low that formed to the east of Papua New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Harold</span> Category 5 South Pacific cyclone in 2020

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was a very powerful tropical cyclone which caused widespread destruction in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga during April 2020. It was the first Category 5 tropical cyclone in 2020. The seventh named storm of the 2019–20 Australian region cyclone season, eighth named storm, and fourth severe tropical cyclone of the 2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season, Harold was first noted as a developing tropical low within a trough of low pressure during April 1, while it was located to the east of Papua New Guinea. Over the next day, the system moved south-eastwards over the Solomon Sea, before it was classified as a tropical cyclone and named Harold by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. The system moved into the Fiji Meteorological Service's area of responsibility on April 2 and began to explosively intensify by April 3, reaching Category 4 status by April 4 on both scales. The next day, it further strengthened into a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, the highest rating on the Australian scale. It made landfall on Espiritu Santo on April 6 and the next day, strengthening to its peak intensity, attaining Category 5-equivalent intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale before making landfall on Pentecost Island. Moving east, it weakened below Category 5 intensity on both scales over subsequent days. It regained Category 5 severe tropical cyclone status while passing south of Fiji, before weakening and becoming extratropical on April 9.

References

  1. ↑ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1 April 2014. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  2. ↑ Tropical Cyclone Three Day Outlook for the Coral Sea. Brisbane Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (Report). Bureau of Meteorology. 1 April 2014. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  3. ↑ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2 April 2014. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  4. ↑ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 3 April 2014. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brisbane Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (16 April 2014). Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita. Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  6. ↑ Rob Sharpe (17 April 2014). "Ita slamming into New Zealand". Weatherzone. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  7. ↑ "Heavy Downpour Claims Two Lives" (PDF). Solomon Times. 3 April 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Michael Field (5 April 2014). "Kiwis join Solomons flood clean up". Stuff.co.nz . Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  9. ↑ "Future of Gold Ridge Mining Uncertain After Floods". Solomon Times Online. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  10. ↑ "Solomon Islands Humanitarian Situation Report #1, 1- 4 April 2014" (PDF). United Nations Children's Fund. ReliefWeb. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  11. ↑ "Fears for deadly outbreak of dengue fever in flood and quake hit Solomons". Save the Children. ReliefWeb. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Sean Dorney (8 April 2014). "Solomon Islands National Disaster Council issues all clear in wake of deadly Honiara floods". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  13. ↑ Solomon Islands: Flash Floods Situation Report No. 4 (as of 18 April 2014) (PDF). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Report). ReliefWeb. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  14. 1 2 "Solomon Islands floods: search continues for missing". Sydney Morning Herald. Agence France-Presse. 6 April 2014. Archived from the original on 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  15. ↑ Rapid Assessment of the Macro and Sectoral Impacts of Flash Floods in the Solomon Islands, April 2014 (PDF). Government of the Solomon Islands (Report). Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. July 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  16. 1 2 Martin, Mellissa (8 April 2014). "Weather Service issues tropical cyclone warning". Post Courier. Retrieved 8 April 2014.(subscription required)
  17. 1 2 3 Konopa Kana (11 April 2014). "Disaster office issues cyclone warning" . Post Courier. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  18. 1 2 Nellie Setepano (11 April 2014). "MP appeals for help as cyclone hits islands" . Post Courier. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  19. ↑ "Cyclone warning for Port Moresby" . Port Courier. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  20. ↑ Johnny Poiya (10 April 2014). "Flood cuts off Highlands H'way" . Post Courier. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  21. 1 2 "PM, Speaker help cyclone victims" . Post Courier. 15 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  22. ↑ "Cyclone Ita predicted to reach category four off far north Queensland". ABC News. 9 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Ita upgraded to category five". ABC News. 10 April 2014.
  24. ↑ "Cyclone Ita shows no sign of weakening as it heads for north Queensland". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  25. ↑ Hal Pierce; Rob Gutro (15 April 2014). "Ita (Southern Pacific Ocean)". NASA. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  26. ↑ Mackay, Queensland April 2014 Daily Weather Observations (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  27. ↑ Cardwell, Queensland April 2014 Daily Weather Observations (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. 2014. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  28. ↑ Tully Sugar Mill 2014 Rainfall Observations (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. 2014. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  29. ↑ Cooktown, Queensland April 2014 Daily Weather Observations (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  30. ↑ Kingaroy, Queensland April 2014 Daily Weather Observations (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  31. ↑ Seventeen Seventy 2014 Rainfall Observations (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology (Report). Government of Australia. 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  32. ↑ "Cyclone Ita: Residents assess damage in far north Queensland". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  33. ↑ "Cyclone Ita: Several rescued from floodwaters in far north Queensland". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  34. ↑ "Cyclone Ita: Storm surge threat eases in Cairns". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  35. 1 2 "April 2014 Global Catastrophe Recap" (PDF). AON Benfield. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  36. ↑ Brian Williams; Kate McKenna (14 April 2014). "Cyclone Ita damage bill up to $1 billion after sugarcane and banana plantations damaged". Courier-Mail. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  37. ↑ "Chaos as storm strikes". Stuff.co.nz. 17 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  38. 1 2 Reissa Su (17 April 2014). "Former Cyclone Ita Brings Severe Weather to New Zealand; Floods and Power Cuts Hit Auckland". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 18 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  39. ↑ "Greymouth takes stock after storm". Radio New Zealand. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  40. ↑ "West Coast families face second night out of flooded homes". ONE News. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
  41. ↑ "April 2014 New Zealand Storm ( 2014-04-17 )". National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  42. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Names". Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  43. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Names". Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  44. ↑ "OCHA Flash Update 1: Solomon Islands Flash Floods, 4 April 2014". United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. ReliefWeb. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  45. 1 2 Rebecca Quilliam; Audrey Young (6 April 2014). "Solomon Islands disaster: Thousands left homeless". New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  46. ↑ "Aust boosts aid to flooded Solomon Islands". 9 News. 6 April 2014. Archived from the original on 10 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  47. ↑ "NZ sends aid after Solomon Islands deadly floods". ONE News. 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  48. ↑ Elaine Hou (8 April 2014). "Taiwan donates US$200,000 to flood-ravaged Solomon Islands". Focus Taiwan. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  49. ↑ "O'Neill assists Solomon Islands" . Post Courier. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  50. ↑ "Solomon's diarrhoea outbreak kills at least 18 children". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ReliefWeb. 4 June 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  51. ↑ "Rotavirus claims more in Solomons". Radio New Zealand International. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  52. ↑ UNICEF Solomon Islands Humanitarian Response and Recovery Update #3 – Reporting period: 11 June – 10 July 2014 (PDF). United Nations Children's Fund (Report). ReliefWeb. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  53. ↑ "24 cases of leprosy confirmed in Solomon Islands". Radio New Zealand International. ReliefWeb. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  54. ↑ Konopa Kana (15 April 2014). "Army assists cyclone-hit islands" . Post Courier. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  55. ↑ "Disaster team ready for Cyclone clean up" . Post Courier. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  56. ↑ "PNG police in Milne Bay defend relief efforts after Cyclone Ita". Radio New Zealand International. 17 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  57. ↑ John McCarthy (20 April 2014). "Lost crop production from Cyclone Ita to drive up fruit and vegetable prices in Queensland". Courier Mail. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  58. ↑ "M6.0 – 28km WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands". United States Geological Survey. 4 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  59. ↑ "M7.1 – 57km SW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  60. ↑ "M6.5 – 78km SW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  61. ↑ "Latest Quake centred just off PNG's Bougainville". Radio New Zealand International. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  62. ↑ "Man dies in B'ville quake" . Post Courier. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  63. ↑ "M7.6 – 100km SSE of Kirakira, Solomon Islands". United States Geological Survey. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  64. ↑ "M7.4 – 111km S of Kirakira, Solomon Islands". United States Geological Survey. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  65. ↑ Nick Perry (14 April 2014). "2 Powerful Earthquakes Hit Solomon Islands". ABC News. Wellington, New Zealand. Associated Press. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  66. ↑ "Solomon Islands Humanitarian Situation Report #4, 10-14 April 2014". United Nations Children's Fund. ReliefWeb. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  67. ↑ "M6.6 – 59km SW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  68. ↑ "M7.5 – 75km SW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  69. ↑ Lincoln Feast; Alison Williams; Janet Lawrence (19 April 2014). "Strong 7.5 magnitude quake hits off Papua New Guinea". Reuters. Reuters. Archived from the original on 20 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.