Tropical Cyclone Freddy Breaks Record for Longest-lasting Cyclone in Africa: UN Agency Confirms

In a groundbreaking announcement, the United Nations weather agency revealed that Tropical Cyclone Freddy, a devastating storm that ravaged eastern Africa last year, has officially been declared the longest-lasting cyclone ever recorded, lasting a staggering 36 days. This surpasses the previous record held by Hurricane John, which hit Hawaii and endured for nearly 30 days in the northern Pacific three decades ago. The World Meteorological Organization disclosed this information as part of a study initiated as Freddy weakened in March last year. Additionally, Freddy ranks as the second-longest cyclone in terms of distance traveled, covering approximately 12,785 kilometers (7,945 miles), just shy of the distance traveled by Hurricane John, which exceeded 13,000 kilometers. The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy was marked by tragedy, with over 1,200 individuals reported dead or missing in Malawi and more than 180 fatalities in Mozambique, according to the WMO. Clare Nullis, a spokeswoman for the WMO, highlighted the unique nature of Freddy's impact, noting that it made multiple landfalls across highly vulnerable countries such as Mozambique, Madagascar, and Malawi, as well as affecting other nations in southern Africa. This distinctive behavior deviated from the typical pattern of tropical cyclones, which usually make a single landfall. The extensive reach and prolonged duration of Tropical Cyclone Freddy underscore the immense challenges faced by regions impacted by such extreme weather events. The WMO's findings shed light on the far-reaching consequences of this unprecedented cyclone, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and response measures in vulnerable areas. As the global climate continues to evolve, understanding and addressing the implications of such extreme weather phenomena become increasingly crucial for safeguarding lives and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.