Cyclone Hollanda
Tropical Cyclone Hollanda was the worst tropical cyclone in Mauritius in 19 years. It formed on 6 February 1994, in the central Indian Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere. The cyclone moved southwestward for much of its duration, striking Mauritius on 10 February at peak intensity with winds of 218 km/h (135 mph). It later passed just southeast of Réunion before turning to the south and weakening. The cyclone became extratropical on 14 February in the southern Indian Ocean.
| Tropical cyclone (SWIO scale) | |
|---|---|
| Category 3 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) | |
Cyclone Hollanda near peak intensity | |
| Formed | 6 February 1994 |
| Dissipated | 15 February 1994 |
| Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 155 km/h (100 mph) 1-minute sustained: 195 km/h (120 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 940 hPa (mbar); 27.76 inHg |
| Fatalities | 2 total |
| Damage | $135 million (1994 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mauritius, Réunion |
| Part of the 1993–94 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
In Mauritius, Hollanda destroyed or severely damaged 450 houses, which left at least 1,500 people homeless. High winds left half of the island without power, and also caused severe crop damage; nearly half of the island's sugar crop was destroyed, which necessitated for the government to assist in replanting efforts. Hollanda killed 2 people and caused $135 million in damage on Mauritius. About a week after the cyclone struck, Cyclone Ivy also affected the area, although to a lesser degree. The highest rainfall from the cyclone fell on Réunion, with 741 mm (29.2 in) recorded at Grand Coude.