:Cyclone Bejisa

{{Short description|South-West Indian tropical cyclone in 2012–13}}

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Intense Tropical Cyclone Bejisa

| image = File:Bejisa Jan 2 2014 1005Z.jpg

| caption = Cyclone Bejisa shortly before peak intensity on 2 January

| formed = 27 December 2013

| extratropical = 6 January 2014

| dissipated = 7 January 2014

| low = 4 January 2014

}}{{Infobox weather event/MFR

| winds = 95

| gusts = 135

| pressure = 950

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 115

| pressure = 944

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2014

| damages = 89200000

| damage-prefix = >

| fatalities = 1 total

| affected = {{Flatlist|

}}

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2013–14 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

}}

Intense Tropical Cyclone Bejisa was a powerful tropical cyclone that affected the islands of Réunion and Mauritius in early January 2014. In late December 2013, a tropical disturbance developed to the north of Madagascar. With favorable conditions, the low developed into a disturbance and soon into a depression on 28 December. The system continued to develop and intensified into Moderate Tropical Storm Bejisa on 29 December, with rapid intensification occurring. It developed into an Intense Tropical Cyclone on 30 December, reaching peak maximum sustained winds of {{convert|165|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{#tag:ref|All measurements of maximum sustained wind are measured or estimated over a period of ten minutes unless otherwise noted.|group=nb}} Due to an eyewall replacement cycle, Bejisa weakened, but re-intensified to a secondary peak of {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on 1 January. Increased wind shear weakened the eyewall, which passed within {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} of Réunion. After having moved generally south-southeastward for much of its duration, Bejisa turned to the southwest on 3 January, by which time it had weakened to tropical storm status. It became a post-tropical cyclone on 5 January after the convection weakened over the center, and Bejisa became extratropical the next day as it meandered southwest of Madagascar.

In its formative stages, Bejisa brought heavy rainfall to Seychelles, and it also dropped rainfall in Mauritius and Madagascar. Effects were worst on Réunion, where wind gusts were around {{convert|130|–|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} along the coast. The storm also dropped torrential rainfall, peaking at {{convert|800|mm|in|abbr=on}} at a volcano in Cilaos. The winds and rains downed many trees and power lines, which blocked roads and left 181,000 people without power. About 49% of the island also lost water supply. Bejisa left heavy damage to the agriculture industry, mainly to vanilla and sugar cane, totaling €62 million (US$84.8 million) in losses. The commune of Saint-Paul sustained moderate damage, with losses estimated at €3 million (US$4.1 million). Bejisa killed one person on the island due to head trauma, and there were 16 injuries. Later, the cyclone produced high waves in South Africa.

Meteorological history

{{storm path|Bejisa 2013 track.png|alt=Map of a tropical cyclone's track as denoted by colored dots. The location of each dot indicates the storm's relative position at six-hour intervals, and its color denotes the storm's intensity at that location.}}

In late December 2013, computer forecast models began to predict the development and cyclogenesis of a disturbance within the monsoon trough north of Madagascar.{{cite web|title=Bulletin For Cyclonic Activity And Significant Tropical Weather In The Southwest Indian Ocean – December 27, 1200 UTC |url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201312271054.pdf |publisher=Météo-France |access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104205301/http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201312271054.pdf |archive-date=January 4, 2014 |date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} At 1800 UTC on 27 December, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) noted a discrete area of disturbed weather approximately {{convert|1350|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of Réunion that corresponded with model forecasts and had the potential to develop.{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory For The Indian Ocean – December 27, 1830 UTC |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abio10.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230545/https://www.webcitation.org/6MDvEETcd?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201312271800.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=December 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Accompanied by a low-level circulation center, the monitored storm complex developed rainbands about its southern periphery the following day.{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory For The Indian Ocean– December 28, 1000 UTC |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abio10.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230504/https://www.webcitation.org/6MDvDzIJK?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201312281000.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=December 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }} At 12:00 UTC on 28 December, Météo-France deemed the system sufficiently organized to be considered a tropical disturbance, the fourth system to be given such a classification by the agency that season.{{cite web|title=Tropical Disturbance 4 Warning Number 001/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230706/https://www.webcitation.org/6MDvo5q5Q?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO22-FMEE_201312281217.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Upon its designation, the disturbance was analyzed to have an unusually high barometric pressure, based on nearby weather station observations.{{cite web|title=Bulletin For Cyclonic Activity And Significant Tropical Weather In The Southwest Indian Ocean – December 28, 1200 UTC |url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201312281114.pdf |publisher=Météo-France |access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129045317/http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201312281114.pdf |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |date=December 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Météo-France projected for the system to peak as a tropical cyclone before slightly weakening and impacting the Mascarene Islands.{{cite web|title=Tropical Disturbance 1 Forecast Warning Number 001/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230829/https://www.webcitation.org/6MDw4vjVa?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201312281251.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Tracking southward, the disturbance steadily organized. As a result of wind shear, the system's low-level circulation center remained partially exposed, though the shearing conditions were expected to lessen {{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert –December 29, 0300 UTC |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230748/https://www.webcitation.org/6MDvOoFz9?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS22-PGTW_201312290300.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=December 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }} At 00:00 UTC on 29 December, the disturbance was upgraded to a tropical depression.{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression 4 Warning Number 003/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230624/https://www.webcitation.org/6MDvneBhC?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO22-FMEE_201312290036.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }} At 18:00 UTC that day, the depression intensified to moderate tropical storm intensity, thus receiving the name Bejisa by the Mauritius Meteorological Services.{{cite web|title=Moderate Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Warning Number 007/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231109/https://www.webcitation.org/6MFMo8tyO?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO22-FMEE_201312291822.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Moderate Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 006/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230951/https://www.webcitation.org/6MFMjSCFD?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201312291855.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }} This coincided with the improving satellite appearance of the storm's central dense overcast. Intensification subsequently quickened, and at 06:00 UTC the next day Bejisa was considered to be a severe tropical storm.{{cite web|title=Severe Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Warning Number 008/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231028/https://www.webcitation.org/6MFMnSFRZ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO22-FMEE_201312300630.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Concurrently a strengthening ridge in the mid-levels of the troposphere began to steer the storm towards the south-southeast.{{cite web|title=Severe Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 008/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=30 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521230906/https://www.webcitation.org/6MFMiwsIV?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201312300642.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Following the development of a small pinhole eye, Bejisa was upgraded to tropical cyclone status at 12:00 UTC on 30 December,{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Warning Number 009/4 |url=http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/archive/13123012 |publisher=Unsys |access-date=31 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231028/https://www.webcitation.org/6MFMnSFRZ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO22-FMEE_201312300630.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }} followed by intense tropical cyclone status six hours thereafter,{{cite web|title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Warning Number 010/4 |url=http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/archive/13123018 |publisher=Unsys |access-date=31 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231151/https://www.webcitation.org/6MGxm3hYj?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO22-FMEE_201312301839.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }} with peak winds of {{convert|165|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Warning Number 011/4 |url=http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/archive/13123018 |publisher=Unsys |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231310/https://www.webcitation.org/6MGxq46Gj?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201312301857.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }} In addition, the JTWC estimated 1-minute winds of {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, utilizing the Dvorak technique to estimate the intensity. The agency noted that decreasing wind shear, favorable outflow, and warm sea surface temperatures allowed for the intensification. At that time of the peak winds, Bejisa was located about {{convert|825|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of Réunion.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 06S (Bejisa) Warning NR 005 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231549/https://www.webcitation.org/6MIVoMZ5s?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201312310900.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

File:Bejisa Dec 31 2013 1015Z.jpg on December 31]]

The intensification phase of Bejisa was short-lived, as an eyewall replacement cycle resulted in a slight deterioration and fluctuation of the storm's organization and structure.{{cite web|title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 013/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=31 December 2013 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231229/https://www.webcitation.org/6MGxpoorV?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201312310040.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=dead }} By 31 December, the system weakened below intense tropical cyclone status as the eye became less organized.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 014/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231509/https://www.webcitation.org/6MIVkxrs8?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201312311310.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=dead }} When the eyewall replacement cycle completed, the eye became larger and the winds increased.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 015/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231428/https://www.webcitation.org/6MIVkRkcD?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401010039.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Later that day, Bejisa passed about {{convert|125|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Tromelin Island.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 017/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231351/https://www.webcitation.org/6MIVkBMhR?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401010637.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }} On the next day, the cyclone attained a secondary peak intensity of {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 018/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231750/https://www.webcitation.org/6MK06Lx5d?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401011234.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }} However, increasing wind shear eroded the eyewall,{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 020/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231712/https://www.webcitation.org/6MK05t8t0?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401020055.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }} which opened the eyewall in the northern periphery. Despite Météo-France assessing that Bejisa had weakened,{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 021/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231629/https://www.webcitation.org/6MK05equI?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401020547.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} at the same time the JTWC estimated that the cyclone had intensified further to reach peak 1-minute winds of {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on 2 January.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 06S (Bejisa) Warning NR 009 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231830/https://www.webcitation.org/6MK08rvfh?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201401020900.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=January 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} That day, the storm's center passed within {{convert|155|km|mi|abbr=on}} of Réunion while continuing to the southeast,{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 06S (Bejisa) Warning NR 010 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232034/https://www.webcitation.org/6MLUkmGOJ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201401022100.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=January 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and the eyewall passed within {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} of the island.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=April 14, 2014|title=France : Le cyclone Bejisa fait 15 blessés et des dégâts sur l'île de la Réunion|language=French|publisher=ReliefWeb|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/r-union-france/le-cyclone-bejisa-atteint-l-le-fran-aise-de-la-r-union}} Continued wind shear stripped the convection,{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 024/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231913/https://www.webcitation.org/6MLUhfRlF?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401030020.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }} coupled with cooler water temperatures, and early on 3 January, Bejisa weakened below tropical cyclone status. By that time, the ridge to the southeast turned the storm to the southwest.{{cite web|title=Severe Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 025/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521231951/https://www.webcitation.org/6MLUhRamN?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401030635.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }} A slight decrease in wind shear was expected to allow the convection to rebuild on 4 January,{{cite web|title=Severe Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 029/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232111/https://www.webcitation.org/6MN9ozKsE?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401040645.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 4, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and the storm strengthened slightly.{{cite web|title=Severe Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 031/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232232/https://www.webcitation.org/6MOalijQs?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401041829.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 4, 2014 |url-status=dead }} By 5 January, Bejisa began evolving into a post-tropical cyclone, with weaker convection over the center.{{cite web|title=Moderate Tropical Storm 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 033/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232152/https://www.webcitation.org/6MOalEHK5?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401050639.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 5, 2014 |url-status=dead }} That day, Météo-France reclassified Bejisa as a post-tropical depression, noting that the radius of maximum winds had expanded.{{cite web|title=Post-Tropical Depression 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 034/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6MQ7GlS0y?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401051249.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2014 |format=TXT |date=January 5, 2014 |url-status=dead }} On the same day, the JTWC discontinued warnings after assessing that the storm had become a subtropical cyclone.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 06S (Bejisa) Warning NR 016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=12 April 2014 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232434/https://www.webcitation.org/6MQ7MqP7P?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201401052100.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |location=Honolulu, Hawaii |format=TXT |date=January 5, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Increasing wind shear displaced the remaining convection west of the center,{{cite web|title=Post-Tropical Depression 4 (Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 035/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232354/https://www.webcitation.org/6MQ7GXobf?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401051945.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 5, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and Météo-France discontinued advisories on Bejisa on 6 January after the exposed circulation turned more to the south.{{cite web|title=Post-Tropical Depression 4 (ex-Bejisa) Forecast Warning Number 038/4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 12, 2014 |author=Météo-France |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521232516/https://www.webcitation.org/6MRZNz4U6?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201401061251.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |format=TXT |date=January 6, 2014 |url-status=dead }} The storm became extratropical and turned to the northeast, and was last noted on 7 January.{{Cite report|work=Météo-France|date=January 7, 2014|access-date=April 12, 2014|title=Bulletin for Cyclonic Activity and Significant Tropical Weather in the Southwest Indian Ocean|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201401071139.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107150658/http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201401071139.pdf|archive-date=January 7, 2014}}

Preparations and impact

Upon designation as a tropical disturbance, the predecessor to Cyclone Bejisa dropped heavy rainfall across the Seychelles. A weather station on Mahé observed {{convert|164|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain over a 24-hour period beginning on 27 December. The Farquhar Group were particularly affected, as the storm's incipient central region of convection remained over the area for an extended period of time.

Before the storm affected Réunion, Bejisa passed west of Tromelin Island, producing winds of {{convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. The storm also produced heavy rainfall on Mauritius,{{cite report|work=European Commission|title=3 January 2014: World Events|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ECDM_20140103_World_Events.pdf}} reaching {{convert|156.3|mm|in|abbr=on}} at Sans Souci. Bejisa spawned a tornado in Grand-Gaube and Poudre d’Or.{{cite report|title=Reports of Members on significant/notable cyclones of the seasons: Report from Mauritius|url=https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/linkedfiles/d.04.2.1_Mauritius.docx|format=DOCX|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|date=October 2, 2015|work=RA I Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South-West Indian Ocean}} Rainfall and gusty winds also affected portions of Madagascar. Later, Bejisa produced high waves along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.{{cite news|date=January 11, 2014|newspaper=Cape Argus|location=South Africa|title=Winter-sized swell sets Dungeons alight Steve Pike; Stoked surfers make hay in sets 3 storeys high}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}}

=Réunion=

File:Barachois 1 3 2014 (11726462914).jpg after Cyclone Bejisa]]

In advance of the storm striking Réunion, officials advised residents to remain inside. Officials ordered residents in Saint-Leu along the coast to evacuate inland, and at least 300 people evacuated island-wide. The airport at Saint-Denis was closed, but reopened after the storm passed the island; several flights were canceled as a result.{{cite report|work=European Commission|title=2 January 2014: Indian Ocean – Tropical Cyclone Bejisa|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ECDM_20130102_IndianOcean_BEJISA.pdf}} The main port was also closed, as were most childcare facilities, and mail service was suspended. Officials issued a red alert for the island, the first since Cyclone Dumile a year prior.

On Réunion, Bejisa produced strong wind gusts, averaging {{convert|130|–|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} along the coast, and peaking in Saint-Louis.{{cite web|publisher=Imaz Press Réunion|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|title=Bejisa s'éloigne lentement de La Réunion|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/cyclone-bejisa/reportage/2014/01/02/a-19-heures-il-se-trouvait-a-60-km-au-sud-ouest-de-l-ile-bejisa-s-eloigne-legerement-des-cotes,23578.html|language=fr}} The winds downed numerous trees and power lines, leaving an estimated 181,000 people without electricity, and closing roads due to debris. All eight of the island's high tension lines were affected. Thirty percent of cell phone service was temporarily lost due to the outages. Torrential rains impacted much of the island, with a 24-hour total of {{convert|800|mm|in|abbr=on}} measured at a volcano in Cilaos and {{convert|600|mm|in|abbr=on}} measured in a nearby town.{{cite web|work=Agence France-Pressee|publisher=Le Républican Lorrain|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|title= Cyclone à la Réunion : un mort et des dégâts considérables |url=http://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/france-monde/2014/01/03/cyclone-a-la-reunion-un-mort-dans-la-nuit-alerte-rouge-levee|language=fr}} The rains caused rivers to rise, resulting in flooding. About 49 percent of homes lost their water supply.{{cite web|publisher=ReliefWeb|work=European Commission Humanitarian Aid department|title=Indian Ocean – Tropical Cyclone BEJISA (COGIC) – ECHO Daily Flash 4/01/2014|date=January 6, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/r-union-france/indian-ocean-tropical-cyclone-bejisa-cogic-echo-daily-flash-4012014}} Tremendous agricultural damage occurred across Réunion, with some areas reporting 80–100 percent losses. Damage in the sector reached €62 million (US$84.8 million) alone, mostly to sugar cane and vanilla. The commune of Saint-Paul sustained moderate damage, with losses estimated at €3 million (US$4.1 million). Approximately €1 million (US$1.4 million) of this stemmed from wind and water damage to homes; 121 residences qualified for relief aid. Along the coast, a pier was destroyed,{{cite web|publisher=Antenne Reunion Télévision|date=January 10, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|title=Bejisa : 3 millions d'euros de dégâts à Saint-Paul|url=https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/societe/bejisa-3-millions-d-euros-de-degats-a-saint-paul|language=fr}} several boats were damaged, and roads were impacted. One person died from head trauma while 16 people were injured in various incidents. Two of the injuries were severe due to falling off ladders while attempting to secure their homes during the high winds.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=April 13, 2014|title=15 hurt as powerful cyclone brushes France's Reunion island|publisher=ReliefWeb|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/r-union-france/15-hurt-powerful-cyclone-brushes-frances-reunion-island}}

In the wake of Bejisa, Électricité de France (EDF) deployed 500 personnel and 6 helicopters to restore power on the island. Within three days, roughly 160,000 residences were restored, considerably faster than previous restoration efforts in previous cyclones. By 9 January, all but a few dozen homes had power.{{cite web|publisher=Imaz Press Réunion|date=January 9, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|title=EDF : l'électricité rétablie dans la quasi totalité des foyers ce jeudi soir à 23h30|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/cyclone-bejisa/reportage/2014/01/09/une-semaine-apres-le-passage-du-cyclone-bejisa-edf-l-electricite-retablie-dans-la-quasi-totalite-des-foyers,23692.html|language=fr}} In addition, water supply was largely restored within four days.{{cite news|date=January 7, 2014|newspaper=Eturbo News|title=Reunion recovering from monster storm Bejisa}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} A state of national disaster was declared for Réunion on 17 January, by Overseas Minister of France, Victorin Lurel. This declaration covered 16 towns on the island: Les Avirons, Cilaos, L'Entre-Deux, L'Étang-Salé, Petite-Île, La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Le Port, La Possession, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Leu, Saint-Louis, Saint-Paul, Saint-Pierre, Salazie, Le Tampon, and Trois-Bassins.{{cite web|publisher=Imaz Press Réunion|date=January 18, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|title=16 communes en état de catastrophe naturelle|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/cyclone-bejisa/reportage/2014/01/18/16-communes-en-etat-de-catastrophe-naturelle-les-sinistres-ont-10-jours-pour-contacter-leur-assureur,23806.html}} Insurance estimates indicated that €25 million (US$34.2 million) was needed for relief funding.{{cite web|publisher=Antenne Reunion Télévision|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|title=Bejisa : Une facture de 25 millions d'euros pour les assureurs|url=http://www.linfo.re/Ile-de-la-Reunion/Societe/601805-Bejisa-Une-facture-de-25-millions-d-euros-pour-les-assureurs|language=fr}} Farmers were eligible for compensation under the disaster declaration; however, many voiced their skepticism following a lack of follow-through by the government to supply funds after Tropical Cyclone Dumile in January 2013.{{cite web|publisher=Imaz Press Réunion|date=January 10, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2014|title=Bejisa : pertes astronomiques et assurances hors de prix pour les agriculteurs|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/cyclone-bejisa/reportage/2014/01/10/ils-ont-perdu-plus-de-60-millions-d-euros-au-total-apres-le-passage-de-bejisa-agriculture-des-assurances-trop-cheres-pour-les-exploitants,23687.html}} Ultimately, the affected farmers had to indicate their taxed losses by 26 February to receive the assistance.{{cite web|publisher=Imaz Press Réunion|date=January 30, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2014|language=French|title=Bejisa : reconnaissance de l'état de calamités agricoles|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/cyclone-bejisa/reportage/2014/01/30/indemnisations-bejisa-reconnaissance-de-l-etat-de-calamites-agricoles,24005.html}} By April 2014, all farmers affected by the declaration were compensated.{{cite web|publisher=Imaz Press Réunion|date=April 16, 2014|language=French|access-date=April 28, 2014|title=L'état de catastrophe naturelle étendu pour quatre communes|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/cyclone-bejisa/reportage/2014/04/16/trois-mois-apres-bejisa-l-etat-de-catastrophe-naturelle-etendu-pour-quatre-communes,25128.html}}

Notes

References

External links

Bejisa

Category:2014 in Mauritius

Category:2014 in Réunion