Cyclone Fanele
Intense Tropical Cyclone Fanele was the first tropical cyclone to strike western Madagascar since Cyclone Fame one year prior. It formed on January 18, 2009 in the Mozambique Channel, and rapidly organized as it remained nearly stationary. Fanele ultimately turned toward the southwest Madagascar coastline, reaching peak winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), according to the Réunion Météo-France office (MFR). It weakened before moving ashore in Menabe Region southwest of Morondava, and rapidly weakened over land. Fanele briefly re-intensified after reaching open waters, only to become an extratropical cyclone by January 23.
| Intense tropical cyclone (SWIO scale) | |
|---|---|
| Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) | |
Cyclone Fanele near peak intensity | |
| Formed | January 18, 2009 |
| Dissipated | January 23, 2009 |
| Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 185 km/h (115 mph) 1-minute sustained: 215 km/h (130 mph) Gusts: 260 km/h (160 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 930 hPa (mbar); 27.46 inHg |
| Fatalities | 10 direct |
| Areas affected | Madagascar |
| Part of the 2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
The cyclone caused heavy damage near where it moved ashore and along its path, resulting in ten deaths. Fanele struck Madagascar just two days after Tropical Storm Eric brushed the northeastern portion of the country. The two storms affected over 50,000 people, of which at least 4,000 were left homeless. Fanele struck the country during a series of government protests, and consequentially relief efforts were hindered.