Cyclone "Freddy" was the longest lasting tropical cyclone last year
The cyclonic storm "Freddy," which originated in the southern part of Africa in the previous year, has set a new record for the longest-lasting tropical storm, lasting for 36 days. The World Meteorology Organization (WMO) confirmed this after reviewing all relevant data on the storm's progress.
The expert committee for reviewing extreme weather events acknowledged "the 36-day duration of tropical storm Freddy as a tropical storm or higher as a new world record for the longest-lasting tropical storm," according to the statement. According to WMO, Freddy surpassed the previous record holder "John," which lasted nearly 30 days over the Pacific Ocean in 1994. However, "John" still holds the record for the greatest distance covered, at 13,159 kilometers, while Freddy covered 12,785 kilometers.
Freddy formed off the northeast coast of Australia and was officially designated as a tropical storm and named on February 6, 2023. It crossed the entire Indian Ocean and made landfall in Madagascar on the southeast coast of Africa on February 21. From February 24 onwards, it caused destruction in Mozambique and Zimbabwe before making a U-turn towards the Indian Ocean and returning with greater intensity.
Upon its return, Cyclone Freddy caused extensive damage to houses, roads, and bridges in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. According to WMO, over 1,200 people were reported dead or missing in Malawi. Over 1.3 million people in Mozambique were affected by the storm, resulting in over 180 fatalities. Almost 200,000 people in Madagascar were affected. Freddy dissipated around mid-March.
- After its return, the intense Cyclone Freddy set a new record for the most damage caused in a single tropical storm in the New Year, surpassing previous records.
- As Freddy approached the Indian Ocean again, it transformed into a Record-breaking Category 4 Cyclone, with winds reaching up to 215 kilometers per hour.
- Post-analysis of Cyclone Freddy's impact revealed that it was the first time in recorded history that a single storm affected three different countries - Australia, Madagascar, and Mozambique - within a year.
