1987–88 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season
The 1987–88 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a moderately active cyclone season, with nine named storms. Four of the storms attained tropical cyclone status, which is the equivalent of a minimal hurricane with 10 minute sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph). The seasonal activity was evenly dispersed, officially beginning on December 9 when the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion started tracking Tropical Storm Ariny. The storm crossed 90° E from the adjacent Australian basin, one of two storms in the season to do so along with Cyclone Ezenina. There were also two storms tracked unofficially by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in November.
| 1987–88 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
|---|---|
Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | December 9, 1987 |
| Last system dissipated | May 14, 1988 |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Gasitao |
| • Maximum winds | 240 km/h (150 mph) (10-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 900 hPa (mbar) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total disturbances | 11 |
| Total depressions | 11 |
| Total storms | 11 |
| Tropical cyclones | 4 |
| Intense tropical cyclones | 1 |
| Total fatalities | 100 |
| Total damage | $10 million (1988 USD) |
| Related articles | |
Cyclone Filao was the most notable storm of the season, originating in late February off northern Madagascar. It ultimately struck Mozambique on March 1, where it killed about 100 people and left $10 million in damage (1988 USD). In January, both tropical storms Calidera and Doaza crossed Madagascar, the latter of which helped end a drought. Long-lasting Tropical Storm Hely also struck the country in March. The strongest cyclone of the season was Gasitao, which formed at the same time as Hely and attained peak winds of 150 km/h (93 mph). The season ended when Tropical Storm Iarisena dissipated northeast of Madagascar in the middle of May.