Tropical Cyclone Freddy rated longest tropical cyclone on record

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which lasted for 36 days, has been recognised as the longest tropical cyclone on record.

The cyclone formed in the Indian Ocean basin off the coast of Northwest Australia and made landfall in southern Africa in February and March 2023, causing significant damage and loss of life in the affected countries.

An international committee of experts confirmed that Tropical Cyclone Freddy broke the previous record of 29.75 days, set by Tropical Cyclone John in the North Pacific Ocean in 1994.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy’s remarkable longevity and ability to survive multiple land interactions had devastating consequences for southeast African countries, particularly Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.

The cyclone’s prolonged passage over land caused widespread destruction, resulting in over 1,200 deaths or missing persons, 2,100 injuries, and affecting over 1.5 million people.

Malawi suffered the most catastrophic consequences from Cyclone Freddy. Strong winds, mudslides, landslides, and flash floods hit 15 districts in the country’s southern region, leading to death, displacement, and destruction.

Over 204,800 hectares of crops were flooded, just as farmers were about to harvest.
The estimated global damage totals $481 million, making Freddy a highly destructive and costly storm.