Cyclone Bingiza
Tropical Cyclone Bingiza was the only named storm to make landfall in the inactive 2010–11 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. The second of three storms, Bingiza developed on 9 February to the northeast of Madagascar. For a few days it meandered generally southwestward, failing to intensify significantly. On 12 February, the storm began a steady westward track as environmental conditions became more favorable. In a 24‑hour period, Bingiza developed from a moderate tropical storm into an intense tropical cyclone with a well-defined eye. After attaining peak 10–minute sustained winds of 155 km/h (96 mph), the cyclone moved ashore in northeastern Madagascar on 14 February and quickly weakened as it crossed the country. Bingiza emerged into the Mozambique Channel as a weak tropical disturbance, and it turned southward to move across western Madagascar. Bingiza attained tropical storm status before making its final landfall near Morondava, degenerating into a remnant low on 17 February, and completely dissipating two days later.
Cyclone Bingiza approaching Madagascar on 13 February | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 9 February 2011 |
Extratropical | 17 February 2011 |
Dissipated | 19 February 2011 |
Tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (MFR) | |
Highest winds | 155 km/h (100 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 957 hPa (mbar); 28.26 inHg |
Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 948 hPa (mbar); 27.99 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 34 total |
Areas affected | Madagascar |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2010–11 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season |
Across Madagascar, the cyclone killed 34 people and injured 13 others. High winds destroyed 25,464 houses, which left 25,845 people homeless. Bingiza first affected the Masoala National Park, destroying half of a village and leaving it isolated. High winds and heavy rainfall left over 500 km2 (195 mi2) of damaged crops, which increased food prices and threatened the economic livelihoods of the affected people.