Tropical Storm Eliakim

{{Storm path|Eliakim 2018 track.png}}

On 9 March at 10:30 UTC, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began monitoring an area of atmospheric convection located approximately {{convert|335|nmi|km mi|round=5|sp=us}} south-southwest of Diego Garcia, assessing its development potential within the next day as low. Convection was disorganized, and conditions were marginally favorable due to a beneficial upper-level environment and strong wind shear at {{convert|25-30|kn|kph mph|round=5|sp=us}}, with sea surface temperatures in the area reaching {{convert|28-29|C|F}}.{{Cite web|date=9 March 2018|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean Reissued from 091030Z-091800Z March 2018|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ab/abio10.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221343/https://www.webcitation.org/6xrYqtU43?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201803091030.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} Météo-France La Réunion (MFR) began monitoring the area on the next day at 12:00 UTC, assessing its risk of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 5 days as moderate.{{Cite web|date=10 March 2018|title=Bulletin for Cyclonic Activity and Significant Tropical Weather in the Southwest Indian Ocean 2018/03/10 at 12:00 UTC|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201803101205.pdf|access-date=2 July 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} By 11 March, MFR further upgraded the system's risk of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 5 days to high.{{Cite web|date=11 March 2018|title=Bulletin for Cyclonic Activity and Significant Tropical Weather in the Southwest Indian Ocean 2018/03/11 at 12:00 UTC|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201803111249.pdf|access-date=2 July 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} An advanced scatterometer pass on 12 March at 06:05 UTC showed an elongated low-level circulation,{{Cite web|date=12 March 2018|title=Bulletin for Cyclonic Activity and Significant Tropical Weather in the Southwest Indian Ocean 2018/03/12 at 12:00 UTC|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201803121239.pdf|access-date=2 July 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} and at 18:00 UTC, the JTWC upgraded the system's development potential within the next day to medium as wind shear decreased to {{convert|15-20|kn|kph mph|round=5|sp=us}}.{{Cite web|date=12 March 2018|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean from 121800Z-131800Z March 2018|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/ab/abio10.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221426/https://www.webcitation.org/6xtTeFpOG?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201803121800.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} On 14 March at 00:00 UTC, MFR upgraded the system to a tropical disturbance, designating it as Tropical Disturbance 7.{{Cite web|title=Eliakim: 13 March 2018 to 2018-03-22|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/archives/saisons_archivees/20172018/2017RE07.html|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} The JTWC assessed that it had developed into a tropical depression at the same time, giving it the designation 14S.{{Cite web|title=2018 Southern Hemisphere Best Track Data|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/best-tracks/2018/2018s-bsh/bsh2018.zip|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} Wind shear further decreased to {{convert|10-15|kn|kph mph|round=5|sp=us}}, and as the system continued to consolidate and organize,{{Cite web|date=14 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert 140300|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs21.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221626/https://www.webcitation.org/6xutqIb4e?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS21-PGTW_201803140300.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}}{{Cite web|date=14 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 1 for Tropical Disturbance 7|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221546/https://www.webcitation.org/6xutlYeZg?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803140714.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} MFR upgraded 7 to a tropical depression on 14 March at 12:00 UTC, though the system's internal structure remained broad.{{Cite web|date=14 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 2 for Tropical Depression 7|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803141200_2_7_20172018.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221505/https://www.webcitation.org/6xutl9rZJ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803141255.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}}

At 18:00 UTC, as convective activity increased,{{Cite web|date=14 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 3 for Tropical Depression 7|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803141800_3_7_20172018.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221708/https://www.webcitation.org/6xwGFwoYi?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803141822.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} MFR upgraded 7 to a moderate tropical storm, assigning it the name Eliakim. On 15 March at 00:00 UTC, the JTWC also upgraded Eliakim to a tropical storm. At 06:00 UTC, MFR upgraded Eliakim to a severe tropical storm as its center was surrounded by strong convection,{{Cite web|date=15 March 2018|title=Severe 15.txt|url=https://mtarchive.geol.iastate.edu/2018/03/15/text/Severe/Severe_15.txt|access-date=10 May 2021|via=Iowa State University}} the most intense of which were located in the northwestern portion of the storm.{{Cite news|date=15 March 2018|title=GPM Sees Tropical Cyclone Eliakim Forming, Threatening Madagascar|url=https://gpm.nasa.gov/extreme-weather/gpm-sees-tropical-cyclone-eliakim-forming-threatening-madagascar|work=Global Precipitation Measurement|access-date=9 June 2021}} Cloud tops slightly warmed and wrapping bands of convection tightened into the circulation over the next few hours, with favorable radial outflow negating the effects of moderate vertical wind shear.{{Cite web|date=15 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 003|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221749/https://www.webcitation.org/6xwGSv7nm?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803151500.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} A well-defined eye appeared on microwave imagery on 16 March at approximately 02:00 UTC,{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 006|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221910/https://www.webcitation.org/6xxb6DtHe?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803160900.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} though it was large and ragged.{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 7 for Severe Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221826/https://www.webcitation.org/6xxb3JCFJ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803160705.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} Eliakim continued over favorable environmental conditions,{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Ccyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 005|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522221947/https://www.webcitation.org/6xxb6j2OV?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803160300.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} and at 06:00 UTC, the JTWC upgraded Eliakim to a Category 1-equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson scale, estimating maximum 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|65|kn|kph mph|abbr=on|round=5|order=out}}. At 07:00 UTC, Eliakim made landfall on the Masoala Peninsula.{{Cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-tropical-storm-hits-madagascar-flash-update-2-16-march-2018|title=Madagascar: Tropical Storm hits Madagascar – Flash Update #2 {{!}} 16 March 2018|date=16 March 2018|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|via=ReliefWeb}} MFR assessed that Eliakim had peaked in intensity at 12:00 UTC, estimating maximum 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|60|kn|kph mph|abbr=on|round=5|order=out}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|980|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|lk=on|abbr=on}}, with the JTWC downgrading it to a tropical storm at the same time. The motion of Eliakim slowed down due to high terrain over the area{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 10 for Severe Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803161200_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222111/https://www.webcitation.org/6xzRimM08?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803161312.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} and became almost stationary,{{Cite news|last=Said|first=Esma Ben|date=16 March 2018|title=Madagascar: Le cyclone Eliakim fait des ravages dans le Nord|language=fr|work=Anadolu Agency|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/fr/afrique/madagascar-le-cyclone-eliakim-fait-des-ravages-dans-le-nord-/1091072|access-date=24 June 2021}} with deep convective bands having weakened and collapsed as the system continued inland.{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 007|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222353/https://www.webcitation.org/6xzRsRNUg?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803161500.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=11 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} Eliakim passed over the Antongil Bay before moving slightly to the north after it moved back inland. Its cloud tops experienced significant warming, though the system's internal structure remained unaffected.{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 11 for Overland Depression 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtio30.fmee..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222149/https://www.webcitation.org/6xzRiNDkH?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803161835.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} Convection near the system's center became relatively shallow, though conditions remained favorable despite still being inland, with low vertical wind shear and favorable outflow channels.{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 008|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222315/https://www.webcitation.org/6xzRs381p?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803162100.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}}

File:Eliakim 2018-03-20 1030Z.jpg on 20 March]]

On 17 March at 00:00 UTC, MFR downgraded Eliakim to the equivalent of a moderate tropical storm, though it was classified as an overland depression by MFR. At 12:00 UTC, Eliakim abruptly turned to the south as convection continued to wane near the center.{{Cite web|date=17 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 14 for Overland Depression 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803171200_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222029/https://www.webcitation.org/6xzRh9C3P?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803171306.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} The storm's motion slowly sped up{{Cite web|date=17 March 2021|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 011|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222229/https://www.webcitation.org/6xzRqsNgP?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803171500.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} as land interaction severely impacted its structure,{{Cite web|date=17 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 15 for Moderate Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803171800_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222432/https://www.webcitation.org/6y0tgXyWs?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803171912.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} and at 21:00 UTC, Eliakim re-emerged over water, tracking into favorable conditions for further development. Sea surface temperatures in the area were at {{convert|28-29|C|F}}.{{Cite web|date=17 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 012|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222550/https://www.webcitation.org/6y0tmCDq4?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803172100.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=13 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} The system slowly organized over the next day as its convective structure began to improve; however, its interaction with land still hindered convective intensification.{{Cite web|date=18 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 015|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222511/https://www.webcitation.org/6y0tknUXj?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803181500.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} Conditions gradually became unfavorable for intensification{{Cite web|date=19 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 019|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222751/https://www.webcitation.org/6y2QX9DHF?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803191500.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} as the circulation became partially exposed,{{Cite web|date=19 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 017|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222834/https://www.webcitation.org/6y2QYQYOl?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803190300.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} cloud tops warmed,{{Cite web|date=19 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 21 for Moderate Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803190600_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222631/https://www.webcitation.org/6y2QSwSfw?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803190635.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} convection moved further from the center,{{Cite web|date=19 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 22 for Moderate Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803191200_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222711/https://www.webcitation.org/6y2QSX8w3?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803191228.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} and wind shear increased to {{convert|25|kn|kph mph|round=5|sp=us}}. Despite this, convective activity continued,{{Cite web|date=19 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 23 for Moderate Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803191800_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222955/https://www.webcitation.org/6y3lJKw5L?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803191853.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=16 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} and on 19 March at 18:00 UTC, MFR upgraded Eliakim to a severe tropical storm. However, convective activity then began to decrease and move closer to the storm's center,{{Cite web|date=20 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 24 for Moderate Tropical Storm 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSA_201803200000_ELIAKIM.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522222913/https://www.webcitation.org/6y3lIuXy8?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803200016.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} and 6 hours later, on 20 March at 00:00 UTC, MFR downgraded Eliakim to a moderate tropical storm. Conditions continued to worsen as sea surface temperatures dropped to {{convert|25|C|F}},{{Cite web|date=20 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone 14S (Eliakim) Warning NR 021|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtxs31.pgtw..txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522223033/https://www.webcitation.org/6y3lOjsY0?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201803200300.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}} and at 06:00 UTC, MFR assessed that Eliakim transitioned into a post-tropical depression, as advanced scatterometer data showed an elongated circulation,{{Cite web|date=20 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone Forecast Warning Number 25 for Post-tropical Depression 7 (Eliakim)|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/liste.html#|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522000814/https://www.webcitation.org/6y3lIVWbq?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201803200621.htm|archive-date=22 May 2024|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Météo-France La Réunion}} with rainfall also ceasing on the storm's northern side.{{Cite news|last=Gutro|first=Rob|date=20 March 2018|title=NASA Finds Tropical Cyclone Eliakim's Clouds Warming|work=NASA|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2018/eliakim-southern-indian-ocean|access-date=21 June 2021|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030045219/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2018/eliakim-southern-indian-ocean/|url-status=dead}} At the same time, the JTWC assessed that Eliakim transitioned into a subtropical cyclone. On 22 March at 12:00 UTC, MFR assessed that it had transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, and 6 hours later, at 18:00 UTC, MFR stopped tracking the system.

File:Atsinana and Vatovavy before and after Eliakim 2018-2-24, 2018-03-19.jpg

On 15 March, Météo Madagascar issued a red alert for areas in the central-eastern and northern parts of Madagascar due to heavy rains and strong winds, also issuing yellow cyclone alerts for the regions of Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, Diana, Sava, Sofia, and the district of Tsaratanana.{{Cite web|date=15 March 2018|title=Madagascar, La Reunion – Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM (GDACS, JTWC, Meteo France La Reunion, Meteo Madagascar, local media)|url=https://erccportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Echo-Flash#/daily-flash-archive/3084|access-date=26 June 2021|website=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations}} Four teams were deployed by the Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et Catastrophes to Antalaha, Île Sainte-Marie, Maroantsetra, and Soanierana Ivongo on the same day.{{Cite report|date=15 March 2018|title=Madagascar: Tropical Storm Approaches Madagascar – Flash Update #1|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-tropical-storm-approaches-madagascar-flash-update-1-15-march-2018|access-date=25 May 2021|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|via=ReliefWeb}} The Copernicus Programme's Emergency Management Service was activated on 16 March,{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=EMSR274: Tropical cyclone Eliakim in Madagascar|url=https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/list-of-components/EMSR274|access-date=21 June 2021|website=Copernicus Emergency Management Service}} with red cyclone alerts being issued by Météo Madagascar for the regions of Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, Sava, and the districts of Bealanana, Befandriana-Nord, and Mandritsara. Red alerts were also issued by the agency for the northern and east-central parts of Madagascar due to heavy rains and strong winds. On the same day, hundreds of people in northeast Madagascar were evacuated,{{Cite web|date=16 March 2018|title=Madagascar, La Reunion – Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM (GDACS, JTWC, Meteo Madagascar, Meteo France La Reunion, media)|url=https://erccportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Echo-Flash#/daily-flash-archive/3085|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations}} with 800 people in Sambava becoming displaced.{{Cite news|date=16 March 2018|title=Madagascar: Eliakim a touché terre|language=fr|work=Journal de l'île de La Réunion|url=https://www.clicanoo.re/Societe/Article/2018/03/16/Madagascar-Eliakim-touche-terre_520168|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625112315/https://www.clicanoo.re/Societe/Article/2018/03/16/Madagascar-Eliakim-touche-terre_520168|url-status=dead}} By 18 March, between 2,500{{Cite web|date=18 March 2018|title=Madagascar, La Réunion – Tropical Cyclone Eliakim (DG ECHO, BNGRC)|url=https://erccportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Echo-Flash#/daily-flash-archive/3087|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations}} and 6,000 people were evacuated.{{Cite news|date=19 March 2018|title=Madagascar – Tropical Cyclone Eliakim Leaves 17 Dead and 6,000 Displaced|work=FloodList|url=https://floodlist.com/africa/madagascar-eliakim-floods-march-2018|access-date=13 June 2021}} At 13:00 UTC (16:00 EAT), a red alert was issued for the region of Vatovavy-Fitovinany due to heavy rains accompanied by occasional gale-force winds. As Eliakim moved away from the country, blue alerts were also issued for the regions of Amoron'i Mania, Analamanga, Betsiboka, Boeny, Bongolava, Diana, Haute Matsiatra, Itasy, Sava, Sofia, and Vakinankaratra.{{Cite web|date=18 March 2018|title=Madagascar: Bulletin Flash – Forte Tempête Tropicale " ELIAKIM " (18 Mars 2018)|url=https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/madagascar/document/madagascar-bulletin-flash-forte-temp%C3%AAte-tropicale-%C2%AB-eliakim-%C2%BB-18-mars|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Humanitarian Response|language=fr|publication-date=19 March 2018}} Authorities warned of landslides and floods in several regions, also advising against sea travel.{{Cite news |date=18 March 2018 |title=Cyclone Eliakim kills at least 7 in Madagascar |work=The EastAfrican |url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/rest-of-africa/cyclone-eliakim-kills-at-least-7-in-madagascar-1386318 |access-date=20 May 2022}} On 19 March, a red alert was issued by Météo Madagascar for southeastern Madagascar due to strong winds.{{Cite web|date=19 March 2018|title=Madagascar – Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM (GDACS, JTWC, Meteo France La Reunion, Meteo Madagascar, Local media)|url=https://erccportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Echo-Flash#/daily-flash-archive/3088|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations}}

The outer bands of Eliakim reached northeastern Madagascar on 15 March.{{Cite news|last=Blašković|first=Teo|date=15 March 2018|title=Tropical Cyclone "Eliakim" to make landfall over NE Madagascar|work=The Watchers|url=https://watchers.news/2018/03/15/tropical-storm-eliakim-to-make-landfall-over-madagascar/|access-date=25 May 2021}} Portions of the district of Ambatondrazaka were partially flooded, which prompted evacuations. Surface observations in Antalaha recorded sustained winds of {{convert|60|kn|kph mph|round=5|sp=us}} on 16 March at 12:00 UTC. On 17 March, Air Madagascar canceled six flights due to bad weather.{{Cite web|date=17 March 2018|title=Tempête Tropicale Eliakim|url=https://www.airmadagascar.com/fr/temp%C3%AAte-tropicale-eliakim|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423045225/http://www.airmadagascar.com/fr/temp%C3%AAte-tropicale-eliakim|archive-date=23 April 2018|access-date=24 June 2021|website=Air Madagascar|language=fr}} By 18 March, severe floods were observed in Maroantsera, with less severe floods being observed in Ambilobe and Mandritsara. At 06:00 UTC (09:00 EAT), a red alert was issued for the Matitanana River due to water levels reaching {{convert|6.3|m|ft|sp=us}}, surpassing the alert level of {{convert|5|m|ft|sp=us}}. Heavy rains in the northern areas of the country ended after 48 hours on the same day.{{Cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-tropical-storm-hits-madagascar-flash-update-4-21-march-2018|title=Flash Update #4 Tropical storm hits Madagascar|date=21 March 2018|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|access-date=28 June 2021|via=ReliefWeb}} {{convert|388|mm|in|sp=us}} of rainfall was recorded in Île Sainte-Marie, {{convert|356|mm|in|sp=us}} in Nosy Be, {{convert|319|mm|in|sp=us}} in Mananjary, and {{convert|206|mm|in|sp=us}} in Mahanoro.{{Cite journal|last1=Jumaux|first1=Guillaume|last2=Dhurmea|first2=K. R.|last3=Belmont|first3=M.|last4=Rakotoarimalala|first4=C. L.|last5=Labbé|first5=L.|display-authors=3|date=1 September 2019|title=State of the Climate in 2018|department=Western Indian Ocean Island Countries|journal=American Meteorological Society|volume=100|issue=9|pages=S214–S217|doi=10.1175/2019BAMSStateoftheClimate.1|hdl=10669/80308|issn=0003-0007|doi-access=free|hdl-access=free}} To aid in assessing damages, an inter-agency team flew over affected areas on 19 March and 26 March.{{Cite report|url=https://www.unicef.org/documents/madagascar-humanitarian-situation-report-mid-year-2018|title=Madagascar Humanitarian Situation Report January–June 2018|date=30 June 2018|publisher=UNICEF|pages=2–3|access-date=11 May 2021}} Access to the most severely affected areas was hindered due to road damage,{{Cite report|date=21 March 2018|title=Flash Update #4: Tropical storm hits Madagascar {{!}} 21 March 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-tropical-storm-hits-madagascar-flash-update-4-21-march-2018|access-date=21 June 2021|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|via=ReliefWeb}} with flooding also isolating several villages.{{Cite news|last=Rahaga|first=Ny Aina|date=19 March 2018|title=Lourd bilan dans le Nord-Est et l'Est après le cyclone Eliakim|work=Madagascar Tribune|url=https://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Lourd-bilan-dans-le-Nord-Est-et-l,23694.html|access-date=25 June 2021|language=fr}} The immediate effects of Eliakim ceased on 20 March as it moved away from Madagascar; water levels in the Matitanana River rose further to {{convert|7|m|ft|sp=us}}.{{Cite news|last=Ralitera|first=Miangaly|date=20 March 2018|title=Intempérie – Eliakim s'éloigne|work=L'Express|url=https://lexpress.mg/20/03/2018/intemperie-eliakim-seloigne/|access-date=25 June 2021|language=fr}} On the same day, Malagasy President Hery Rajaonarimampianina visited the district of Ambilobe to provide relief and assistance.{{Cite news|last=Ralitera|first=Miangaly|date=20 March 2018|title=Bilan du cyclone – Le nombre des victimes augmente|work=L'Express|url=https://lexpress.mg/20/03/2018/bilan-du-cyclone-le-nombre-des-victimes-augmente/|access-date=25 June 2018|language=fr}} Moderate flooding was recorded in Brickaville and Nosy Be, along with wind damage to the districts of Antalaha and Mananara Avaratra.{{Cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-forte-temp-te-tropicale-eliakim-rapport-de-situation-conjoint-no-1-26|title=Madagascar: Forte Tempête Tropicale Eliakim – Rapport de Situation conjoint: No. 1 (26 mars 2018)|date=26 March 2018|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|page=1|access-date=27 June 2021|via=ReliefWeb}} 21 people were killed, with 19,439 people becoming displaced,{{Cite book|last1=Andriamanalinarivo|first1=Remi Rolland|url=https://www.undrr.org/publication/madagascar-country-resilient-effects-hazards-and-protected-damage-sustainable|title=Madagascar, a country resilient to the effects of hazards and protected from damage for sustainable development|last2=Faly|first2=Aritiana Fabien|last3=Randriamanalina|first3=Julot Herman|publisher=United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction|year=2019|page=19|access-date=11 May 2021}} 60,000 people having been affected, and hundreds of reported injuries. 15 roads were damaged, along with 27 health facilities, which disrupted the healthcare of 50,000 people.{{Cite web|date=17 March 2018|title=Madagascar, La Reunion – Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM (DG ECHO, GDACS, Meteo Madagascar, Meteo France, media)|url=https://erccportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/Echo-Flash#/daily-flash-archive/3086|access-date=26 June 2021|website=Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations}} Rehabilitation works were estimated to reach 10 billion Malagasy ariary (US$3.21 million) in cost.{{Cite news|date=19 March 2018|title=Madagascar: Le cyclone Eliakim laisse derrière lui un triste bilan|language=fr|work=Radio One|url=http://www.r1.mu/actu/regionale/le-cyclone-eliakim-laisse-derriere-lui-un-triste-bilan-p288518|access-date=1 July 2021}} 17,228 homes were damaged,{{Cite report|url=http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20180405-ab-analytics-if-march-global-recap.pdf|title=March 2018 Global Catastrophe Recap|date=5 April 2018|publisher=Aon Benfield|page=6|access-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119085143/http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20180405-ab-analytics-if-march-global-recap.pdf|archive-date=19 November 2020}} and 43,000 people became unable to access clean water.{{Cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-tropical-storm-hits-madagascar-flash-update-3-19-march-2018|title=Madagascar: Tropical Storm hits Madagascar – Flash Update #3 {{!}} 19 March 2018|date=19 March 2018|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|access-date=27 June 2021|via=ReliefWeb}} 1,118 classrooms were damaged, which along with losses of school supplies, affected 54,000 students. Strong floods were mainly recorded in the regions of Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, Sava, and Sofia,{{Cite web|date=23 March 2018|title=ACT Alliance Alert: Cyclone in Madagascar|url=https://actalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Alerts_-Madagascar_-Tropical-Cyclone-Eliakim.pdf|access-date=28 June 2021|website=ACT Alliance|page=1|publication-place=Nairobi, Kenya}} with the main harvest season from May–June experiencing reduced productivity due to flooding.{{Cite report|url=https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000099651/download/|title=WFP Madagascar External Situation Report #1|date=October 2018|publisher=World Food Programme|page=2|access-date=21 June 2021}} Using satellite data, a study estimated that 26 percent of rice fields along with 67 percent of farms with other crops were flooded;{{Cite journal|last1=Randriamparany|first1=Mamisoa|last2=Ratsaramody|first2=Justin|last3=Randriazanamparany|first3=Michel Aimé|last4=Ramanan’haja|first4=Hery Tina|display-authors=3|date=2019|title=Cartographie et évaluation rapides des dégâts d'une inondation avec des données gratuites et logiciels libres: cas de la zone inondable du Sambirano, Madagascar|url=https://www.afriquescience.net/AS/15/3.pdf|journal=Afrique Science Revue Internationale des Sciences et Technologie|language=fr|volume=15|issue=2|pages=24–31|issn=1813-548X}} clove crops were also damaged in Analanjirofo.{{Cite web|date=30 March 2018|title=Southwestern Madagascar continues to feel effects of dryness|url=https://fews.net/southern-africa/madagascar/key-message-update/march-2018|access-date=28 June 2021|website=Famine Early Warning Systems Network}} Communications were disrupted in some parts of northeastern and eastern Madagascar. Landslides were generated by rainfall on saturated soil,{{Cite news|date=18 March 2018|title=Madagascar hit by another tropical cyclone|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/3/18/madagascar-hit-by-another-tropical-cyclone|access-date=25 June 2021}} with at least six landslides being reported on the Route nationale 2,{{Cite news|last=Ralitera|first=Miangaly|date=21 March 2018|title=Catastrophe – Un grand éboulement bloque la circulation|work=L'Express|url=https://lexpress.mg/21/03/2018/catastrophe-un-grand-eboulement-bloque-la-circulation/|access-date=25 June 2021|language=fr}} five more having occurred between Ranomafana and Marolambo,{{Cite news|last=Ralitera|first=Miangaly|date=24 March 2018|title=Route nationale 2 – Risque de mouvements de terrain à craindre|work=L'Express|url=https://lexpress.mg/24/05/2018/route-nationale-2-risque-de-mouvements-de-terrain-a-craindre/|access-date=25 June 2021|language=fr}} and several more on the Route nationale 5, the Route nationale 31, and the Route nationale 32.{{Cite news|date=21 March 2018|title=Madagascar: des glissements spectaculaires sur les routes nationales|language=fr|work=Antenne Réunion|url=https://www.linfo.re/ocean-indien/madagascar/739683-madagascar-des-glissements-spectaculaires-sur-les-routes-nationales|access-date=27 June 2021}}

On 17 March, 430 firefighters were mobilized in Réunion to aid with rescues.{{Cite news|last=Yepes|first=Manuel|date=17 March 2018|title=430 sapeurs-pompiers mobilisés en cas de cyclone|work=Antenne Réunion|url=https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/societe/739370-430-sapeurs-pompiers-mobilises-en-cas-de-cyclone|access-date=26 June 2021|language=fr}} An orange alert was issued by MFR for the southwestern portion of Réunion due to strong winds on 19 March. Waves reaching {{convert|5-6|m|ft|sp=us}} affected the island, impacting coastal roads{{Cite news|date=16 March 2018|title=La forte tempête tropicale Eliakim entrera à Madagascar ce vendredi À La Réunion – Des fortes pluies à venir, mais pas autant que pour Dumazile|work=Imaz Press Réunion|url=https://www.ipreunion.com/actus-reunion/reportage/2018/03/16/eliakim-eliakim,78586.html|access-date=25 June 2021|language=fr}} and forcing the closure of lanes close to shore.{{Cite news|date=16 March 2018|title=Vigilance forte houle maintenue La route du Littoral rouverte dans les deux sens|work=Imaz Press Réunion|url=https://www.ipreunion.com/actualites-reunion/reportage/2018/03/16/-live-vid-o-photos-la-houle-se-dechaine-deviation-par-la-route-de-la-montagne-entre-saint-denis-et-la-possession-route-du-littoral-la-houle-ferme-les-voies-cote-mer,78632.html|access-date=25 June 2021|language=fr}} Several areas recorded gusts above {{convert|100|kph|mph|sp=us}}, with Maïdo recording {{convert|151|kph|mph|sp=us}} and Colimaçons recording {{convert|110|kph|mph|sp=us}}.{{Cite news|last=Touzé|first=Lucie|date=19 March 2018|title=Vigilance vents forts dans l'Ouest, le Sud et le Sud-Est|language=fr|work=Antenne Réunion|url=https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/societe/739546-vigilance-vents-forts-dans-l-ouest-le-sud-et-le-sud-est|access-date=27 June 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Touzé|first=Lucie|date=19 March 2018|title=Vents forts: fin de la vigilance demain dans l'Ouest, le Sud et le Sud-Est|language=fr|work=Antenne Réunion|url=https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/societe/739582-vents-forts-fin-de-la-vigilance-demain-dans-l-ouest-le-sud-et-le-sud-est|access-date=27 June 2021}} Takamaka recorded rainfall of {{convert|756|mm|in|sp=us}} accumulated over 6 days, with {{ill|Grand Îlet|fr}} recording {{convert|350|mm|in|sp=us}} of rainfall within a day and Hauts de Ste-Rose recording {{convert|228.8|mm|in|sp=us}} of rainfall within 3 hours.{{Cite report|url=http://www.meteofrance.re/documents/3714872/20731758/BCA2018.pdf/6eee9050-5961-47ea-b009-bbe0ad5e8faa|title=Bulletin climatologique 2018 de l'île de la Réunion Direction Interrégionale pour l'Océan Indien|last1=Eugénie|first1=Gilbert|last2=Jumaux|first2=Guillaume|date=|publisher=Météo-France La Réunion|page=22|access-date=1 July 2021}}

Within 6 hours in Mayotte, {{convert|67.2|mm|in|sp=us}} of rainfall was recorded in Mzouazia, {{convert|37.2|mm|in|sp=us}} in Pamandzi, {{convert|23|mm|in|sp=us}} in Dembeni, and {{convert|21.5|mm|in|sp=us}} in Coconi.{{Cite news|last=Perzo|first=Anne|date=17 March 2018|title=Prolongation de la vigilance-Orages ce samedi 17 mars à 6h – Risque de fortes rafales de vent|language=fr|work=Le Journal De Mayotte|url=https://lejournaldemayotte.yt/2018/03/17/prolongation-de-la-vigilance-orages-risque-de-fortes-rafales-de-vent/|access-date=24 June 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Perzo|first=Anne|date=17 March 2018|title=Prolongation de la vigilance-Orages ce samedi 17 mars à 12h|language=fr|work=Le Journal De Mayotte|url=https://lejournaldemayotte.yt/2018/03/17/prolongation-de-la-vigilance-orages-ce-samedi-17-mars-a-12h/|access-date=24 June 2021}} Eliakim caused landslides on 18 March; it affected voters during an ongoing election.{{Cite news|last=Decloitre|first=Laurent|date=18 March 2018|title=A Mayotte, une législative dans la tempête|language=fr|work=Libération|url=https://www.liberation.fr/france/2018/03/18/a-mayotte-une-legislative-dans-la-tempete_1637149/|access-date=24 June 2021}}

Enhanced rainfall over Kenya associated with Eliakim{{Cite journal|last1=Wainwright|first1=Caroline M.|last2=Finney|first2=Declan L.|last3=Kilavi|first3=Mary|last4=Black|first4=Emily|last5=Marsham|first5=John H.|display-authors=3|date=16 August 2020|title=Extreme rainfall in East Africa, October 2019 – January 2020 and context under future climate change|journal= Weather|volume=76|issue=1|pages=26–31|doi=10.1002/wea.3824|doi-access=free}} caused flooding in vulnerable areas.{{Cite web|last=Mwangi|first=Emmah|date=26 March 2018|title=African SWIFT reports on recent floods in Kenya|url=https://africanswift.org/2018/03/26/african-swift-reports-on-recent-floods-in-kenya/|access-date=30 June 2021|website=GCRF African SWIFT}}

Tromelin Island recorded 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|45|kn|kph mph|round=5|sp=us}} on 15 March.

Cloud bands under the influence of Eliakim brought cloudy skies to Mauritius.{{Cite news|date=18 March 2018|title=Météo: pluie et grisaille au rendez-vous|language=fr|work=Le Défi Media Group|url=https://defimedia.info/meteo-pluie-et-grisaille-au-rendez-vous|access-date=26 June 2021}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones|Madagascar}}

• Weather of 2017 and 2018
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{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Cyclone Eliakim}}

• [http://www.meteofrance.re Météo-France La Réunion] {{in lang|fr}}
• [http://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190141/http://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/ |date=2 February 2018 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20210510144107/https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc18/SHEM/14S.ELIAKIM/ 14S.ELIAKIM] United States Naval Research Laboratory information

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