Cyclone Cheneso
Tropical Cyclone Cheneso was a strong tropical cyclone that affected Madagascar in January 2023. The fourth tropical storm and fifth tropical cyclone of the 2022–23 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Cheneso developed out of a zone of disturbed weather status which was first monitored at RSMC La Réunion on 17 January. Despite convection wrapping into the curved band pattern, the system formed into a tropical depression on 18 January. The depression strengthened into Severe Tropical Storm Cheneso on the following day. Cheneso made landfall over northern Madagascar and weakened into an inland depression, before emerging into the Mozambique Channel. Cheneso later strengthened into a tropical cyclone on 25 January. The system continued moving southeast, before transitioning into a post–tropical depression on 29 January.
Cyclone Cheneso strengthening off the coast of Madagascar on 25 January | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 16 January 2023 |
| Post-tropical | 29 January 2023 |
| Dissipated | 1 February 2023 |
| Tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (MFR) | |
| Highest winds | 140 km/h (85 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 965 hPa (mbar); 28.50 inHg |
| Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 155 km/h (100 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 965 hPa (mbar); 28.50 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 33 |
| Missing | 20 |
| Damage | $20 million (2023 USD) |
| Areas affected | Madagascar |
Part of the 2022–23 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) has reported 33 deaths and 20 missing. The agency reports a total 90,870 affected people, 34,100 of which were displaced. Around 23,600 homes and 164 schools suffered damage. Humanitarians and authorities also supported post–storm preparation and relief efforts, as millions were expected to be impacted. The same areas were affected by a far more powerful tropical cyclone, Cyclone Freddy two weeks later.