Natural disasters can have devastating effects on communities, economies, and infrastructure.
Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, has experienced some significant storms over the years.
These storms have brought heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding.
Understanding the impact of these storms is crucial for preparedness and mitigation efforts.
This article will explore the 10 biggest storms to ever hit Lesotho, providing insights into their effects on the country.
1. Cyclone Dineo
Cyclone Dineo was a major tropical cyclone that made landfall in Mozambique on February 15, 2017.
It hit the Inhambane Province as a Category 1 storm, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
The cyclone caused significant damage, destroying around 20,000 homes.
It directly affected approximately 130,000 people in the region.
Winds exceeded 80.5 mph, and some areas received up to 200 mm of rain.
Satellite data showed storm top heights reaching over 16 kilometers.
The storm’s impact was felt beyond Mozambique, affecting parts of northern South Africa as well.
Cyclone Dineo was one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in the South-West Indian Ocean.
2. Tropical Storm Eloise
Tropical Storm Eloise hit Mozambique and the surrounding regions, including parts of Lesotho, in January 2021.
It was a significant weather event that caused widespread damage across southern Africa.
Eloise brought heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in flooding and destruction of homes.
In Lesotho, communities experienced severe weather conditions that disrupted daily life.
The storm led to the loss of lives and displacement of many families.
Damage to infrastructure, including roads and power lines, made recovery efforts challenging.
3. Cyclone Irina
Cyclone Irina was a significant storm affecting parts of Southern Africa in 2012.
It formed on February 27 from a tropical wave north of Madagascar.
Irina moved south and brought strong winds and heavy rain to various regions.
While not directly hitting Lesotho, the storm’s effects were felt there.
The intense rainfall led to widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure.
Roads and homes were particularly impacted, causing disruptions to daily life.
Irina highlighted the vulnerabilities of inland areas to tropical cyclones.
Even without a direct hit, the heavy rains demonstrated how far-reaching the impacts of such storms can be.
4. Cyclone Japhet
Cyclone Japhet struck southeast Africa in March 2003.
It developed off the southwest coast of Madagascar on February 25 and moved northwest before turning southwest.
During its peak, Japhet recorded winds of 175 km/h (109 mph).
The cyclone caused significant damage, primarily affecting Mozambique.
It brought heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding in the region.
This cyclone is noted for its intensity and the severe impact on the affected communities.
5. Tropical Storm Chalane
Tropical Storm Chalane formed in the South-West Indian Ocean during the 2020-21 cyclone season.
It was identified as a severe tropical storm by RSMC La Réunion on December 19, 2020.
Chalane’s path affected several countries, including parts of the Southern Hemisphere like Mozambique.
Although not directly impacting Lesotho, its influence was felt in regional weather patterns.
Meteorological data indicated maximum wind speeds of 110 km/h.
This storm exemplified the significant impacts of tropical cyclones in the broader region around Lesotho.
6. Severe Tropical Storm Eline
Severe Tropical Storm Eline, also known as Tropical Cyclone Leon-Eline, was a major weather event in 2000.
It formed on February 1 in the Australian basin.
Eline traveled over 11,000 km, impacting several regions.
It caused serious flooding in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
The storm reached Lesotho, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.
These conditions led to widespread damage, disrupting lives and infrastructure in the region.
7. Cyclone Idai
Cyclone Idai was one of the most severe storms to impact southeastern Africa. It struck in March 2019 and caused widespread damage.
The storm significantly affected Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Winds reached speeds of 175 kph (110 mph), causing catastrophic destruction.
Heavy rainfall led to massive flooding, making recovery efforts extremely difficult.
The storm claimed over 1,500 lives and displaced many more.
Humanitarian crises emerged as communities struggled to cope with the devastation.
8. Cyclone Hudah
Cyclone Hudah was a very intense tropical cyclone that impacted Southeast Africa in April 2000.
It was the last in a series of three cyclones that hit Madagascar that year.
The storm initially developed as a disturbance within the monsoon trough on March 22, 2000, in the Australian region cyclone basin.
By March 29, the eye of the storm was well-defined, making it one of the most powerful storms observed in the Indian Ocean.
Cyclone Hudah reached its peak intensity with maximum wind speeds of 230 km/h.
The cyclone struck northern Madagascar and then moved westward, eventually dissipating over Mozambique.
The damage caused by Cyclone Hudah was significant due to its intensity and the areas it impacted.
9. Tropical Cyclone Haruna
Tropical Cyclone Haruna struck in 2013. It primarily affected Madagascar before its remnants reached parts of Southern Africa, including Lesotho.
Haruna brought heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm caused significant flooding and damage to infrastructure in Lesotho.
Despite its initial impact on Madagascar, the remnants of Haruna led to increased river levels and disrupted transportation in Lesotho.
This cyclone highlights the broader impact of tropical storms in the region.
10. Cyclone Funso
Cyclone Funso was a significant tropical cyclone that impacted parts of Mozambique and Malawi in January 2012. This storm occurred during the 2011-12 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season.
Funso was the eighth tropical cyclone of the season and achieved the status of an intense tropical cyclone.
It caused severe flooding in the regions it affected, leading to widespread damage.
The cyclone’s maximum wind speeds reached 215 km/h, making it one of the powerful storms of its season.
Its strong winds and heavy rains resulted in major disruptions and necessitated significant recovery efforts in the aftermath.
Geographical Impact of Major Storms
Lesotho’s geography, with its high mountains and lowlands, influences how storms affect the region. Major storms can lead to drastic changes in weather patterns, causing heavy rainfall and flooding.
Affected Regions in Lesotho
In Lesotho, the lowlands are particularly vulnerable to the impact of storms. These areas often experience severe flooding due to their lower elevation.
The major rivers, such as the Mohokare River, can overflow, affecting towns and agricultural lands nearby.
Highland regions, including the Drakensberg Mountains, face landslides and erosion.
The steep terrain makes these areas susceptible to rapid water flow, which can cause significant soil displacement.
Communities in these high-altitude regions often face disrupted transportation and damaged infrastructure.
Terrain and Weather Patterns
Lesotho’s terrain features a mix of mountainous and lowland areas. The Drakensberg Mountains dominate the eastern part of the country, while the western regions are characterized by rolling hills and valleys.
Storms bring dramatic shifts in weather. In the highlands, snowfall may occur, leading to blocked roads and isolated communities.
In the lowlands, heavy rain can turn dry riverbeds into torrents, inundating farmland and settlements.
The combination of altitude and storm intensity greatly affects how each region experiences these natural events.
Economic Consequences of Severe Storms
Severe storms in Lesotho have wide-reaching economic impacts. These storms damage infrastructure and devastate agriculture, affecting both the short-term and long-term economic stability of the region.
Damage to Infrastructure
Storms cause significant damage to roads, bridges, and buildings. This destruction hampers transport and trade, leading to economic losses.
Roads can become impassable, isolating communities and disrupting daily life.
Essential services like healthcare and education also suffer when buildings are damaged or destroyed.
Repair costs are high. The government and communities must allocate substantial funds to rebuild and restore infrastructure.
The slower movement of goods affects businesses, raising costs and reducing profits.
Damage to infrastructure can also discourage investment.
If investors see a region as vulnerable to severe weather, they may be less likely to fund projects, hindering economic growth.
Agricultural Impact
Agriculture in Lesotho is crucial for both livelihoods and the economy. Severe storms, including heavy rains and hail, can devastate crops.
Farmers face significant losses when fruits, vegetables, and cereal crops are destroyed.
Livestock is also at risk during storms. Flooding and harsh weather conditions can lead to injuries and deaths of animals, which impacts meat and dairy production.
The loss in agriculture affects food supply. Prices can rise due to the reduced availability of local produce, leading to higher costs for consumers.
This situation can strain household budgets and contribute to food insecurity.
Farmers may need financial assistance to recover. Loans and subsidies are often necessary to help them replant and rebuild, putting additional strain on public resources.