Cyclone Honorinina
Cyclone Honorinina was a powerful storm in March 1986 that hit eastern Madagascar hard, causing many deaths and widespread damage.
Formation and path
- Honorinina formed on March 9, 1986, south of Diego Garcia and moved west-southwest under a southern ridge.
- It intensified into a tropical cyclone by March 12, with peak winds near Tromelin Island.
- The storm passed close to Tromelin Island, then made landfall about 40 km north of Toamasina, Madagascar, on March 15 with strong winds.
- It weakened over land, crossed Madagascar, and entered the Mozambique Channel, becoming extratropical on March 18 and dissipating by March 23.
Impact
- Gusts reached about 158 km/h on Tromelin Island and up to 200 km/h near Toamasina.
- Heavy rainfall occurred across Madagascar, including about 455.5 mm in Toamasina in 24 hours.
- The cyclone damaged the main port, airport, and many warehouses in Toamasina, leading to significant cargo losses.
- Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged; about 83,885 people were left homeless.
- Overall, 99 people died and damage totaled about $150 million (1986 USD).
Area effects
- The cyclone affected a wide stretch of coast (about 800 km) and extended damage up to 100 km inland.
Aftermath and aid
- Madagascar appealed for international help on March 20.
- International aid totaled about $3.37 million, with support from various countries and organizations.
- Relief efforts included food, clothing, medicine, and rebuilding supplies, as well as a National Relief Committee to coordinate help.
- Some recovery and rebuilding programs from previous storms were used to aid victims.
In summary, Honorinina was one of the major Madagascar storms of the 1980s, bringing severe winds, heavy rain, and extensive destruction, especially around Toamasina.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 19:04 (CET).