ANNAH-TROPICAL CYCLONE FREDDIE

1. What was the maximum wind speed recorded during Tropical Cyclone Freddie in Nelspruit?

o a. 100 km/h

o b. 150 km/h

o c. 200 km/h

o d. 250 km/h

2. When did Tropical Cyclone Freddie hit Nelspruit?

o a. March 11, 2024

o b. April 15, 2024

o c. May 6, 2024

o d. June 20, 2024

3. How did Tropical Cyclone Freddie impact the local infrastructure in Nelspruit?

o a. Flooding and road closures

o b. Power outages and communication disruptions

o c. Damage to buildings and property

o d. All of the above

4. Which emergency measures were taken in Nelspruit to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Freddie?

o a. Evacuation orders for at-risk areas

o b. Establishment of emergency shelters

o c. Activation of local emergency response teams

o d. All of the above

5. What was the response of the local community in Nelspruit during Tropical Cyclone Freddie?

o a. Volunteer efforts to assist those in need

o b. Donations of supplies and support

o c. Community clean-up initiatives after the cyclone

o d. All of the above

6. Which province in South Africa was most affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddie?
a. Mpumalanga
b. Limpopo
c. Gauteng
d. Western Cape
 7. What was the category of Tropical Cyclone Freddie when it made landfall in Nelspruit?
a. Category 1
b. Category 2
c. Category 3
d. Category 4

Tropical Cyclone Freddy

Tropical Cyclone Freddy stands as a significant weather event in the 2023 cyclone season, illustrating
the potent force and extensive impact tropical cyclones can have on regions. Initially developing in
the Indian Ocean, Freddy quickly intensified, showcasing the rapid and formidable growth capability
of such storms. It made its mark by impacting multiple countries, with notable effects
on Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi.

In Madagascar, Freddy made landfall on 21 February, near Mananjary, bringing with it powerful
winds of up to 130 km/h and gusts of 180 km/h, causing widespread damage, including a storm
surge and significant structural damage to homes and infrastructure. The cyclone’s arrival
compounded challenges in regions already vulnerable from previous cyclonic activities and ongoing
recovery efforts, exacerbating flood risks in areas with saturated soils from Cyclone Cheneso.

The cyclone’s path then took it across the Mozambique Channel, where it made a second landfall
in Mozambique on 11 March, particularly affecting the Zambezia Province. Despite weakening to a
tropical depression, Freddy continued to unleash heavy rains and strong winds, leading to extensive
flooding, displacement of thousands, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. The cumulative
rainfall in some areas reached more than what is typically expected in a month, stressing the critical
situation in regions already dealing with the aftermath of previous weather-related disasters.

Freddy‘s impact extended to Malawi, where it has been associated with severe weather conditions,
including intense rainfall leading to mudslides and floods, particularly in the southern region. The
cyclone’s effects have been devastating, with significant loss of life, displacement of communities,
and damage to property and livelihoods. The government’s declaration of a State of Disaster in
affected districts underscores the severity of the situation.

The trajectory and effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy underline the complex challenges posed by
such natural disasters in the context of global warming, which is believed to influence the frequency
and intensity of tropical cyclones. Freddy exemplifies the urgent need for robust disaster
preparedness, response mechanisms, and long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of similar
future events on vulnerable communities.

Why do tropical cyclones such as Freddy develop in late summer?

Tropical cyclones like Freddy tend to develop in late summer due to the optimal conditions present
during this time—warm sea temperatures and high humidity levels. These conditions are crucial for
cyclone formation, providing the energy necessary for these systems to intensify.
What is the impact of coriolis force and latent heat on the development of tropical cyclone Freddy?

The development of Tropical Cyclone Freddy was significantly influenced by the Coriolis
force and latent heat. The Coriolis force, resulting from the Earth’s rotation, imparts a spinning
motion to the storm, while the release of latent heat during condensation provides the energy that
fuels the cyclone’s intensification.

Discussing the stage of development of the tropical cyclone Freddy.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy exhibited rapid intensification as it moved across the Indian Ocean. It
reached its peak intensity just before making landfall, characterized by sustained winds and heavy
rainfall. Freddy’s development showcased the dynamic and powerful nature of tropical cyclones
under conducive environmental conditions.

Why can category 1 tropical cyclones be more destructive (damaging) than category 5 tropical
cyclones?

Category 1 tropical cyclones can be more destructive than their Category 5 counterparts under
certain circumstances. Factors such as slow movement over populated areas, leading to prolonged
wind and rain exposure, and the specific vulnerability of the impacted regions can amplify the
damage caused by lower-category cyclones.

How did tropical cyclone Freddy impact the following?

Environment

Tropical Cyclone Freddy caused widespread environmental destruction, including flooding and
landslides. These impacts were exacerbated in Madagascar, where soils were already saturated from
previous cyclones, leading to significant flood risks.

Economy

The economies of the affected regions suffered greatly due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
Infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, and the disruption of commerce and tourism were
notable economic consequences of the cyclone.

People/Communities

The human toll was significant, with fatalities, displacements, and extensive damage to homes and
communities. In Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi, thousands were left homeless or displaced,
highlighting the devastating impact of Freddy on local populations.

What precautions can be implemented/ or has been implemented to reduce the impact of the
tropical cyclone.

The local government/Government of the country

Governments implemented early warning systems, evacuation plans, and post-disaster relief efforts.
In anticipation of Freddy, preemptive evacuations and the suspension of schools and public transport
were notable measures taken to mitigate the cyclone’s impact.

The local residents

Residents were advised to secure property, stock emergency supplies, and adhere to evacuation
orders. Community awareness and preparedness initiatives were crucial in minimizing the cyclone’s
human and material toll.

Evaluating the impact of Global Warming on the frequency (regularity) of tropical cyclones such as
Freddy.

Global warming is believed to influence the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones. Warmer sea
temperatures can lead to more frequent and more potent cyclones, as seen with Tropical Cyclone
Freddy. The increasing regularity and severity of such weather events highlight the urgent need for
climate action.

The Path of Tropical Cyclone Freddy

Formation and Initial Intensification

Tropical Cyclone Freddy formed in the Indian Ocean in early February 2023. Displaying rapid
intensification, it became a major concern for meteorologists and disaster preparedness officials due
to its trajectory towards populated landmasses. This phase of Freddy’s path was marked by the
accumulation of immense energy, fuelled by warm ocean waters and conducive atmospheric
conditions.

First Landfall in Madagascar

On 21 February, Freddy made its initial landfall on the eastern coast of Madagascar, near Mananjary.
By this time, Freddy had achieved significant strength, with sustained average winds of 130
km/h and gusts of up to 180 km/h. This initial landfall was particularly devastating due to the pre-
existing conditions in the region; soils were already saturated from the recent Cyclone Cheneso,
exacerbating the flood risk and leading to widespread environmental and infrastructural damage.

Movement Across the Mozambique Channel

After crossing Madagascar, Freddy continued its path across the Mozambique Channel. During this
phase, it maintained considerable strength, posing an imminent threat to mainland Africa. The
cyclone’s trajectory through the channel was closely monitored as it aimed for a second landfall on
the continent.

Second Landfall in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Freddy made its second landfall in Mozambique on 11 March, particularly affecting
the Zambezia Province. Despite weakening to a tropical depression by the time of landfall, Freddy
continued to generate intense rainfall across the region. This resulted in severe flooding,
displacement of communities, and extensive damage to property and infrastructure. The impact in
Mozambique highlighted the cyclone’s enduring power and the challenges of managing cyclone-
related disasters in vulnerable regions.

Impact Beyond Landfall

The influence of Tropical Cyclone Freddy extended beyond its landfall points, affecting regions in
southern Malawi with heavy rains and strong winds. The widespread nature of Freddy’s impacts
underlines the extensive reach of tropical cyclones, capable of affecting areas far from the initial
landfall site through associated weather patterns and rainfall.

Conclusion/Summary
Tropical Cyclone Freddy serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of tropical cyclones
and the importance of preparedness and mitigation strategies. Its journey through Madagascar,
Mozambique, and Malawi underscores the challenges posed by such natural disasters in the era of
global warming. Personal reflections on the impact of tropical cyclones reveal a blend of awe for
nature’s power and a resolve for better resilience and adaptive measures in the face of future
storms.
Background

Mbombela, formerly Nelspruit, is a city in northeastern South Africa. It is the capital of

the Mpumalanga province. Located on the Crocodile River, The city lies about 110 km (68 mi) by road
west of the Mozambique border, 330 km (210 mi) east of Johannesburg and 82 km (51 mi) north of
the Eswatini border. The city was one of the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The city was
founded in 1895 by three brothers of the Nel family who grazed their cattle around the site in the
winter months. During the Boer War, Nelspruit served briefly as the seat of government for
the South African Republic, an independent Boer republic (not to be confused with the Republic of
South Africa). The history of Nelspruit occurred along segregated lines.
Province: Mpumalanga

Town: Mbombela

Location: Crocodile River

Population: 159,549

Elevation: 1897 ft to 2771 ft

Coordinates: -25°28'28.13" S 30°58'13.19" E

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