2020–21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season
Event of tropical cyclone formation in the South-west Indian Ocean
The 2020–21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an above-average season which produced 12 named storms, with 7 strengthening into tropical cyclones. The season started with the formation of Cyclone Alicia in the extreme northeast section of the basin on 12 November 2020, just before the official start of the season, which marked the third season in a row in which a tropical cyclone formed before the official start of the season. It officially began on 15 November 2020, and ended with the dissipation of Cyclone Jobo on 24 April, 6 days before the official end on 30 April 2021, with the exception of Mauritius and the Seychelles, which officially ended on 15 May 2021. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical and subtropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. Tropical and subtropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion and unofficially by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
The season was an active season with several notable storms. At the beginning of the season in December, Tropical Storm Chalane hit Mozambique, followed by the stronger and more damaging Cyclone Eloise less than a month later. Both storms caused 34 fatalities and about $10 million in damage. Afterward, Cyclone Faraji formed, strengthening into a very intense tropical cyclone, marking the second season in a row to feature a storm of the type, staying well away from land in its passage. Cyclone Guambe formed as Faraji was weakening, hitting Mozambique as a subtropical system, the third and final occurrence for the country during the season.
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