Tropical cyclone Freddy made a second landfall on the southern African coast over the weekend in Madagascar. Then, it turned into Mozambique, headed towards Malawi, and intensified again over warm water. Off the coast of North Australia, Tropical Cyclone Freddy formed and was given a name on February 6. Then, it struck Madagascar on February 21 and Mozambique three days after traversing the South Indian Ocean. So first, let us understand what exactly a Tropical Cyclone is.

What Are Tropical Cyclones?

World meteorological department defines a tropical cyclone. A tropical cyclone is a rapidly spinning storm that originates from a tropical ocean and gives it the energy to grow. This cyclone’s low-pressure area often has calm conditions and is cloud-free. It can have a diameter of up to 1000 km and commonly ranges from 200 to 500 km.

A tropical cyclone is distinguished by its strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves. It can occasionally cause extremely damaging storms and coastal flooding. For the sake of public safety, the names of the cyclones are given. The wind of the Northern Hemisphere blows in a counterclockwise direction, and the Southern Hemisphere blows in a clockwise direction.

Present Scenario

According to a BBC report, cyclone Freddy killed at least 190 people in Malawi and 27 people earlier when it landed last month. In Malawi, the government has declared a state disaster. According to the nation’s disaster organization, at least 20 000 individuals have been forced to relocate.

Since 1980, Hurricane and Typhoon Loke in 2006 formerly held the record for the highest ACE ( Accumulated Cyclone Energy). The month-long Cyclone Freddy has already surpassed this record and may break more. According to the Washington Post, Cyclone Freddy broke the previous record of 85.26 ACE units established by Hurricane and Typhoon. The World Meteorological Organization estimates that the energy produced by Freddy is equivalent to an average North Atlantic hurricane season.

According to NOAA’s historical hurricane track database, Freddy is one of only four tropical cyclones crossing the southern Indian Ocean. Climate change, which has warmed the oceans and increased the amount of heat energy from the water’s surface, causes these kinds of giant storms.

Source: Image of Cyclone Freddy 

Records Set By Cyclone Freddy Are:

• Longest live tropical cyclone on record
• 4th tropical cyclone traveled entirely of the south Indian ocean
• Highest accumulated energy by any cyclone in Southern Hemisphere

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