Cyclone Ivan

{{About|the cyclone of 2008|the 1997 typhoon|Typhoon Ivan|the 2004 hurricane|Hurricane Ivan|other storms of the same name|Tropical Storm Ivan}}

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Intense Tropical Cyclone Ivan

| image = Ivan 16 feb 2008 0645Z.jpg

| caption = Intense Tropical Cyclone Ivan near peak strength on 16 February

| formed = {{start date|2008|02|7|df=y}}

| dissipated = {{end date|2008|02|22|df=y}}

}}{{Infobox weather event/MF

| agency = MFR

| winds = 100

| gusts = 140

| pressure = 930

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 125

| pressure = 929

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| damages = 30000000

| year = 2008

| fatalities = 93 direct, 176 missing

| affected = Madagascar

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2007–08 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

}}

Intense Tropical Cyclone Ivan was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck Madagascar in February 2008. Forming from a persistent area of convection on 7 February, Ivan initially tracked southeastward, before looping to the west-southwest. Encountering favourable conditions, it strengthened to attain peak winds on 17 February before striking northeastern Madagascar. It degenerated into a remnant low pressure area as it crossed the island, and briefly re-organized into a weak tropical depression before dissipating on 22 February.

Ivan caused heavy damage in Madagascar, leaving severe flooding and wind damage. In Île Sainte-Marie, the worst hit area, 90% of the infrastructure was destroyed, and 70% of the structures were destroyed. On mainland Madagascar, over {{convert|400000|acre|km2}} of cultivated crops were destroyed, leaving hundreds of families without food. In addition, severe flooding and high winds in Toamasina left the entire city without electricity or drinkable water. In all, over 330,000 people were left homeless, and the storm caused 93 deaths.

Meteorological history

On 5 February, an area of convection persisted about 555 km (900 mi) north of Réunion in the southwest Indian Ocean. The system maintained a broad low-level circulation with associated deep convection, and it slowly developed banding features.{{Cite FTP |author=Alpha Forecast Team|year=2008|title=February 5 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory|accessdate=2008-03-01|server=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008020518-ABIO.PGTW}} By early on 7 February, the circulation had become better defined as it remained in an area of weak wind shear and strong diffluence.{{Cite FTP |author=Charlie Forecast Team|year=2008|title=February 7 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory|access-date=1 March 2008 |server=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008020702-ABIO.PGTW}} At 06:00 UTC, Météo-France (MFR) classified it as Tropical Depression Eleven about 880 km (550 mi) north-northeast of Mauritius.{{Cite FTP |author=Météo-France |year=2008 |title=Tropical Depression Eleven Warning 01 |access-date=1 March 2008 |server=FTP server |url-status=dead |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020706-FMEE }} Around the same time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began issuing advisories on the system as Tropical Cyclone 18S.{{cite web |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |year=2008 |title=Tropical Cyclone 18S Warning NR 001 |accessdate=2008-03-01 |url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh1808web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209094308/http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh1808web.txt |archive-date=9 February 2008 }} The depression tracked east-southeastward, under the influence of a mid-level ridge. A cutoff low to the south of the system enhanced upper-level conditions, and it quickly strengthened into Tropical Storm Ivan.{{Cite FTP |author=Météo-France |year=2008 |title=Tropical Storm Ivan Warning 02 |accessdate=2008-03-01 |server=FTP server |url-status=dead |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020712-FMEE }}

The storm rapidly organized and developed an eye feature.{{cite web |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |year=2008 |title=Tropical Storm Ivan 18S Warning NR 002 |access-date=1 March 2008 |url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh1808web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209094308/http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh1808web.txt |archive-date=9 February 2008 }} Its intensification rate slowed as an upper-level trough began restricting outflow, and the motion of Ivan became nearly stationary as it entered an area of weak steering currents.{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Tropical Storm Ivan 18S Warning NR 004|accessdate=2008-03-01|url=http://listserv.uiuc.edu/wa.cgi?A2=ind0802b&L=wx-tropl&T=0&P=10864}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} With its overall environment remaining favourable, the JTWC upgraded Ivan to tropical cyclone status – winds greater than 119 km/h (74 mph) – early on 9 February.{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Ivan Warning NR 005|accessdate=2008-03-01|url=http://listserv.uiuc.edu/wa.cgi?A2=ind0802b&L=wx-tropl&T=0&P=18401}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, the MFR retained Ivan as a strong tropical storm.{{Cite FTP |author=Météo-France|year=2008|title=Tropical Storm Ivan Warning 11|accessdate=2008-03-01|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020900-FMEE}} Late on 9 February, the storm temporarily weakened when wind shear increased,{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Tropical Storm Ivan Warning NR 006|accessdate=2008-03-01|url=http://listserv.uiuc.edu/wa.cgi?A2=ind0802b&L=wx-tropl&T=0&P=26887}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} though the next day it re-intensified as convection increased; a banding eye formed in the center of the convection, prompting the JTWC to re-upgrade Ivan to tropical cyclone status late on 10 February.{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Ivan Warning NR 008|accessdate=2008-03-01|url=http://listserv.uiuc.edu/wa.cgi?A2=ind0802b&L=wx-tropl&T=0&P=43240}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On 11 February, the MFR upgraded Ivan to tropical cyclone status 1025 km (640 mi) northeast of Mauritius.{{Cite FTP |author=Météo-France |year=2008 |title=Tropical Cyclone Ivan Warning 18 |accessdate=2008-03-01 |server=FTP server |url-status=dead |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021112-FMEE }}

By 14 February, it had sped up and entered a more favourable environment, becoming a severe tropical storm.{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021406-FMEE |server=ftp.met.fsu.edu |url-status=dead |title=FTP link }} On 15 February, Ivan was re-upgraded to a tropical cyclone as favourable conditions persisted. Ivan was further upgraded to an Intense Tropical Cyclone on 16 February as it moved closer to Madagascar. Ivan made landfall north of Fanoarivo, Madagascar on 17 February.{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021706-FMEE |server=ftp.met.fsu.edu |url-status=dead |title=FTP link }} Once overland, rapid weakening occurred due to the rugged terrain of the island.{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021712-FMEE |server=ftp.met.fsu.edu |url-status=dead |title=FTP link }} Ivan was forecast to regenerate over the Mozambique Channel into a tropical depression once it left Madagascar.{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021812-FMEE |server=ftp.met.fsu.edu |url-status=dead |title=FTP link }} Ivan traversed Madagascar, heading southwest. Its remnants emerged back over water on 21 February, and Météo-France resumed advisories on "filling depression Ex-Ivan".{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008022101-FMEE |server=ftp.met.fsu.edu |url-status=dead |title=FTP link }} Ivan, severely disrupted by Madagascar, did not strengthen any further; the last advisory was issued on 22 February.{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008022212-FMEE |server=ftp.met.fsu.edu |url-status=dead |title=FTP link }}

Impact

File:Ivan 15 feb 2008 1025Z.jpg

Cyclone Ivan moved ashore on Madagascar near the city of Toamasina on 17 February, producing winds of 125 mph (200 km/h).{{Cite web|agency=Reuters|title=Cyclone hits Madagascar, threatens Mozambique|year=2008|publisher=Reliefweb|access-date=29 February 2008 |url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/EVOD-7BXMK8?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}} According to local news agencies, Sainte Marie island off the coast of Madagascar was the highest affected area, with 9 people killed and 90% of the island's infrastructure destroyed, including a hotel which collapsed.{{Cite web|author=Deutsche Presse Agentur|title=Cyclone Ivan kills 11 in Madagascar, headed for Mozambique|year=2008|publisher=Reliefweb|access-date=2008-02-29|url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/LSGZ-7BYHMQ?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}} On the island, all flights were suspended or canceled during the storm, and most areas were left without electric power. Also, 75 percent of the structures on the island were completely destroyed.{{Cite web |author=BBC News |title=Madagascar in cyclone aid appeal |year=2008 |access-date=2008-02-29 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7259969.stm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225132334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7259969.stm |archive-date=25 February 2008 }}

On mainland Madagascar, {{convert|100000|acre|km2}} of rice crops were destroyed, and {{convert|300000|acre|km2}} of other cultivated crops were destroyed.{{cite web|author=pr-inside|title=Madagascar counts the costs of Cyclone Ivan, fears more bad weather, food scarcity ahead|year=2008|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D8V43SHG2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610205642/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D8V43SHG2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-06-10}} Because of this, many families had little or no food to eat. In Analanjirofo, the worst hit region on the mainland Madagascar, 80,000 people were left homeless, and most of the schools, houses and other structures were lost as a result of the flooding and high wind. Another major aspect of the damage there was the Antaratasy bridge, a connector between the region of Atsinanana and cities to the north, which was completely destroyed, isolating several people from their families.{{Cite web|author=United Nations Children's Fund|title=Cyclone Ivan leaves 22 dead and communication networks damaged|year=2008|publisher=Reliefweb|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/MUMA-7C3535?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}} Its collapse, in addition to the extensive damage to communications, made it difficult or impossible to contact people who may have been affected by Ivan.

In the city of Toamasina, all water and electricity were cut off as a result of the storm. High winds downed trees and power lines, and rising flood waters were the focus of concern. In the region of Alaotra Mangoro Region, almost 23,000 people were in need of assistance, and flooding caused extensive damage.{{cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|title=Madagascar: Tropical cyclone Ivan DREF Operation No. MDRMG003|year=2008|publisher=Reliefweb|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/SHIG-7C8HPD?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}} In the Analamanga Region, 18,000 people were reported to be left without shelter, and in the Atsinanana Region, up to 13,000 people were left homeless. In total, 190,000 people were homeless as a result of the cyclone{{cite web|publisher=voanews|title=Death Toll From Madagascar Cyclone Up to 83|year=2008|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://voanews.com/english/2008-02-29-voa57.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120102707/http://voanews.com/english/2008-02-29-voa57.cfm|archive-date=2008-11-20|url-status=dead}} and a total of 93 fatalities occurred.{{cite web|publisher=Reuters Foundation|title=Death toll from Madagascar cyclone hits 83|year=2008|website=Reliefweb|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/AMMF-7CADG5?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}}

Aftermath

Following the cyclone, the U.S. Agency for International Development airlifted relief commodities and supplies to Madagascar. The U.S. Agency for International Development also provided 320 rolls of plastic sheeting valued at $213,100 (2008 USD), which provided shelter assistance to 3,000 affected families,{{cite web|author=United States Agency for International Development|title=U.S. provides assistance to Madagascar following cyclone|year=2008|publisher=Reliefweb|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/MUMA-7C72Z7?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}} and they provided an additional $100,000 (2008 USD) to CARE and the U.N. World Food Program to re-establish ground access to affected areas, and deliver emergency supplies and food aid. This brought the total U.S. Government's assistance to Madagascar following the cyclone to more than $300,000.

Almost 140 volunteers were provided by Malagasy Red Cross in seven districts in the eastern part of the country to help in relief aid. The Malagasy Red Cross received extra supplies from the French Red Cross which mobilized its intervention platform in the Indian Ocean to provide logistical support. Twelve tonnes of material was provided from the main center on La Reunion Island, including tarpaulins, tool kits, generators, water tablets and other emergency supplies.{{Cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|title=Madagascar: Red Cross assists victims of cyclone|year=2008|publisher=Reliefweb|accessdate=2008-02-29|url=http://reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/YSAR-7C6NZU?OpenDocument&query=Cyclone%20Ivan}} Also, the Malagasy president made a donation of 8 millions of ariary to local branches of the Malagasy Red Cross along with 20 tonnes of rice. As a result of this, the Red Cross was able to distribute emergency items to 1,207 families; each family received 16 kilograms (35 pounds) of rice, 500 grams (17 ounces) of salt, 1.5 litres (50 fluid ounces) of oil, two bars of soap, candles and a lighter.

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20070330212754/http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/ RSMC La Réunion]
[http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=1 March 2010 }}

Ivan (2008)

Category:2008 in Madagascar