Faida

Dissipated

Active from January 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM to February 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Track map of Faida

Peak Category

Dissipated

Minimum Pressure

997 hPa

Maximum Wind Speed

79 km/h

Region

South Indian Ocean

Key Events

Formation

January 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM

-11.7°N, 76.2°E

Dissipation

February 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM

-20.4°N, 48.7°E

Storm Timeline

Faida formed as Tropical Low at -11.7°N, 76.2°E with winds of 65 km/h

Faida intensified to Moderate Tropical Storm at -12.5°N, 76.3°E with winds of 65 km/h

Faida was named as Moderate Tropical Storm at -16.0°N, 72.7°E with winds of 65 km/h

Faida reached peak intensity as Moderate Tropical Storm at -18.3°N, 51.2°E with winds of 79 km/h

Faida made landfall as Tropical Storm at -19.6°N, 50.4°E with winds of 65 km/h

Faida weakened to Tropical Depression at -20.4°N, 48.7°E with winds of 47 km/h

Faida dissipated at -20.4°N, 48.7°E

Tropical Cyclone Faida-2025: Overview and Impact

Introduction

Tropical Cyclone Faida-2025, also designated as TC 11S, was a significant weather event in the South Indian Ocean that affected Madagascar and neighboring regions. This provides an overview of its development, trajectory, and impacts based on available data and reports.

Formation and Development

Faida formed on January 28, 2025, over the southern Indian Ocean. Initially, it was classified as a tropical disturbance with sustained winds of 35 knots (40 mph). Over the next few days, it intensified into a moderate tropical storm, reaching peak winds of 50 knots (58 mph) by February 3, 2025.

Key Characteristics

  • Peak Intensity: 50 knots (58 mph) on February 3, 2025.
  • Minimum Pressure: 997 hPa at peak intensity.
  • Trajectory: West-northwestward, making landfall in northeastern Madagascar on February 4, 2025, and exiting into the Mozambique Channel before dissipating over central Mozambique by February 5, 2025.

Impact on Madagascar

Faida caused significant disruptions in Madagascar, particularly in the regions of Toamasina, Atsinanana, and Analanjirofo. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding, leading to:

  • Population Displacement: Over 365 people were evacuated, with 313 in Toamasina and 52 in Fénérive Est.
  • Infrastructure Damage: 93 houses were reported damaged across the affected regions.
  • School Closures: Local authorities closed several schools in the Atsinanana region as a precautionary measure.

Environmental and Humanitarian Impact

Faida's passage resulted in:

  • Heavy Rainfall: Up to 3 inches of rain in some areas, causing localized flooding.
  • Storm Surge: A maximum surge height of 0.5 meters was recorded in Voloina, Madagascar.
  • Vulnerability: Madagascar's high vulnerability to tropical cyclones exacerbated the humanitarian impact, particularly in coastal regions.

Forecast and Dissipation

Faida weakened rapidly after landfall due to Madagascar's rugged terrain, dropping to 30 knots (35 mph) by February 5, 2025. It briefly regained some intensity over the Mozambique Channel before dissipating inland over central Mozambique.

Conclusion

Tropical Cyclone Faida-2025 highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by tropical cyclones in the South Indian Ocean, particularly for vulnerable regions like Madagascar. The event underscored the importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters.