Eswatini has experienced some of the most intense storms, causing significant damage and loss. Each storm has brought a unique combination of challenges, from heavy rains and flooding to strong winds and hail.
Why is it important to understand the impact of these storms on Eswatini? Knowing about these storms helps in preparing for future weather events and in building resilience in communities.
This article will highlight the ten biggest storms that have left their mark on the nation.
1. Cyclone Domoina, 1984
Cyclone Domoina hit southern Africa in January 1984. The storm formed off the northeast coast of Madagascar and moved westward.
Domoina struck Swaziland (now Eswatini) with strong winds and heavy rains. The storm caused significant flooding, resulting in record rainfall in the region.
The cyclone caused severe damage in Swaziland, killing at least 13 people. Floodwaters from Domoina led to 100-year floods in South Africa and significant damage in Mozambique.
Damage in Mozambique reached roughly $75 million. Swaziland faced substantial impacts, with rainfall reaching 906 mm (35.7 in) at Piggs Peak, leading to $54 million in damage and the loss of 73 lives.
2. Cyclone Lila, 1980
Cyclone Lila struck Eswatini in 1980. It was one of the most devastating storms to hit the region. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Many communities experienced severe flooding.
Infrastructure was badly affected. Roads were washed away and bridges were damaged. Agricultural fields were also flooded, leading to significant crop losses.
Emergency services were stretched thin. Many people were displaced from their homes. The storm highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness in Eswatini.
3. Tropical Storm Dineo, 2017
Tropical Storm Dineo hit in February 2017. The storm brought significant rainfall and strong winds to the region.
Dineo first made landfall in Mozambique before affecting surrounding areas, including Eswatini. In some places, wind speeds reached up to 155 km/h.
The storm caused severe flooding and damage to infrastructure. Many homes were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced. Roads also suffered extensive damage, complicating recovery efforts.
To read more about the widespread impact, you can visit Cyclone Dineo.
4. Cyclone Desmond, 2019
Cyclone Desmond struck Eswatini in January 2019. It brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The storm caused flooding and landslides.
Many homes were damaged or destroyed. The heavy rains led to significant water levels in rivers. This caused disruptions in transportation.
Emergency services were quickly mobilized. They assisted affected communities and helped in relief operations. Recovery efforts continued for several weeks.
5. Cyclone Eloise, 2021
Cyclone Eloise struck Southern Africa in January 2021. It was one of the most powerful storms to impact Eswatini in recent years. The cyclone caused severe flooding and damage throughout the region.
With winds reaching up to 160 km/h, Cyclone Eloise wreaked havoc on infrastructure. Roads and bridges were destroyed, making travel nearly impossible.
The National Disaster Management Agency of Eswatini quickly responded. They launched the ‘Build Back Better’ program to assist affected communities. Nearly 800 homes were rebuilt through this initiative.
Cyclone Eloise also led to a significant death toll across Southern Africa. The storm claimed 21 lives, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness.
Recovery efforts were extensive, as many areas remained flooded for weeks. The impact of Cyclone Eloise on Eswatini underscores the increasing threat of extreme weather patterns in the region.
6. Cyclone Irina, 2012
Cyclone Irina, which formed on February 27, 2012, was a severe tropical storm that had significant impacts on Southern Africa. The storm originated from a tropical wave north of Madagascar.
Irina moved south, affecting Madagascar, Mozambique, and South Africa with heavy rains and strong winds. The storm brought devastating floods and caused extensive damage in these regions.
This event is remembered as one of the biggest storms to impact the area, highlighting the vulnerability of these countries to powerful tropical cyclones.
7. Cyclone Juliet, 1993
Cyclone Juliet struck Eswatini in 1993, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. The storm caused widespread flooding, impacting both urban and rural areas. Roads were submerged, cutting off many communities.
Many homes and farms were damaged during the cyclone. The agricultural sector faced significant losses, affecting the livelihoods of many residents. Efforts to provide relief were quickly mobilized.
Electricity and communication networks were also disrupted. Recovery took weeks, as repair teams worked to restore essential services. Cyclone Juliet remains one of the most significant storms in Eswatini’s history.
8. Cyclone Favio, 2007
Cyclone Favio struck southern Africa in February 2007. It was the first known tropical cyclone that passed south of Madagascar to hit the continent as an intense tropical cyclone.
Favio formed east of Madagascar and intensified as it moved southwest. By the time it reached Mozambique, it had become a powerful category 4 storm with winds reaching up to 203 kilometers per hour (126 miles per hour).
The impact was severe, especially in the central province of Inhambane. Buildings were damaged, and flash floods were reported.
Despite losing some strength before making landfall, the cyclone caused widespread devastation, affecting thousands of people.
For more detailed information about Cyclone Favio, see Cyclone Favio – Wikipedia and 10 Biggest Storms to Ever Hit Mozambique.
9. Cyclone Japhet, 2003
Cyclone Japhet was a significant tropical cyclone that impacted southeast Africa, including Eswatini, in March 2003. It first developed on February 25 near the southwest coast of Madagascar.
As it moved northwest and then turned southwest, Cyclone Japhet encountered favorable conditions for development. These conditions allowed the storm to quickly intensify in the Mozambique Channel.
The cyclone reached maximum winds of 109 mph (175 km/h). This intense storm caused widespread damage in the region, affecting numerous communities with strong winds and heavy rain.
Impact on Eswatini included property damage and disruptions to daily life. The agricultural sector was severely hit, with crops destroyed and fields flooded.
For more information on Cyclone Japhet, refer to the Wikipedia entry on Cyclone Japhet.
Cyclone Japhet remains a notable event in the history of tropical cyclones affecting southeast Africa, including Eswatini.
10. Cyclone Eline, 2000
Cyclone Eline struck Eswatini in February 2000. It was one of the most powerful storms to impact the region. The cyclone traveled nearly 11,000 kilometers across the Indian Ocean, lasting almost a month.
Eline brought torrential rain and destructive winds. The storm disrupted lives and caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. Flooding was severe in many areas, affecting both urban and rural communities.
Wind speeds reached up to 215 km/h at its peak. The cyclone affected not just Eswatini but also neighboring countries, making it one of the most memorable storms in Southern Africa.
For more details on Cyclone Eline, check this cyclone assessment.
Historical Context of Storms in Eswatini
Eswatini has faced numerous significant storms over the years, each impacting the country’s climate, weather patterns, and local communities.
Notable examples include tropical cyclone Eloise, which caused extensive damage and led to both immediate and long-term responses.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Eswatini experiences a variety of weather patterns that contribute to the frequency and intensity of storms. Located in a subtropical region, the country sees heavy rainfall during certain periods of the year.
Tropical cyclones, such as Eloise in 2021, often bring extreme weather conditions, including flooding and strong winds.
These storms are influenced by larger climatic changes, which have been increasing due to global warming.
The country’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) often has to implement programs to rebuild and restore affected areas. The frequency of such events has made disaster preparedness a crucial aspect of Eswatini’s climate strategy.
Impact on Local Communities
The effect of these storms on local communities can be devastating. Homes and infrastructure often suffer severe damage, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.
In December 2023, a major storm hit the Shiselweni region, destroying cars and houses in several areas like Ngculwini and Mtsambama (World Vision’s relief efforts illustrate this impact).
The loss of homes and livelihoods places a significant burden on families, who need both immediate aid and long-term support. Communities often rely on humanitarian organizations to assist in recovery efforts.
Building projects, such as those initiated by the NDMA, aim to “Build Back Better” by not just restoring homes, but also improving resilience against future storms. This includes the construction of nearly 800 homes and essential infrastructure like foot bridges in affected areas.
Preparedness and Response Measures
Eswatini has a structured approach to dealing with storms, focusing on government-led initiatives and active community participation to enhance resilience and recovery.
Government Initiatives
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) plays a key role in disaster risk management.
After tropical cyclones like Eloise, NDMA launched the “Build Back Better” program. This initiative aims to construct more resilient homes and infrastructure such as foot bridges.
The government also coordinates aid distributions and emergency responses.
For example, World Vision Eswatini delivered essential supplies, including clothing, to vulnerable communities after a severe hailstorm, emphasizing the need for timely support in affected areas.
Community Involvement
Community involvement is crucial in Eswatini’s disaster preparedness and response strategies.
Local groups work alongside government agencies to boost resilience.
During emergencies, these community members distribute aid and help rebuild affected areas.
Training and awareness programs are also conducted to prepare people for disasters.
For instance, after major storms, community volunteers often assist in rebuilding homes and infrastructure under initiatives like NDMA’s “Build Back Better” program.
These efforts ensure that communities are not only recipients but also active participants in disaster management activities, enhancing overall resilience and recovery.