 Cyclone Firinga near peak intensity | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | January 24, 1989 |
| Dissipated | February 7, 1989 |
| Tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (MFR) | |
| Highest winds | 135 km/h (85 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 954 hPa (mbar); 28.17 inHg |
| Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 165 km/h (105 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 11 total |
| Damage | $217 million (1989 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mauritius, Réunion |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1988–89 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Tropical Cyclone Firinga produced record-breaking rainfall on the French overseas department of Réunion. It was the sixth named storm of the season, having developed on January 24, 1989 in the south-west Indian Ocean. Given the name Firinga, it moved generally southwestward for much of its duration. While the cyclone was approaching Mauritius late on January 28, it attained peak winds of 135 km/h (85 mph). Firinga passed 50 km (31 mi) west of the island, producing 190 km/h (120 mph) wind gusts that destroyed 844 homes. Heavy crop damage occurred on the island, and damage nationwide was estimated at $60 million (1989 USD). One person was killed in Mauritius.
After passing Mauritius, Firinga struck Réunion early on January 29 with wind gusts as strong as 216 km/h (134 mph). The storm dropped torrential rainfall in the southern portion of the island, including 24-hour totals of 1,309 mm (51.5 in) at Pas de Bellecombe and 1,199 mm (47.2 in) at Casabois, both of which set records for the locations. The rains caused widespread river flooding and resulted in 32 mudslides. Firinga isolated several towns due to flooding and left power and water outages. A total of 2,746 houses were damaged or destroyed, leaving 6,200 people homeless. Damage was estimated at around ₣1 billion (1989 francs, $157 million 1989 USD), and there were 10 deaths on the island. Firinga later dissipated on February 7 after having weakened and executed a loop to the southeast.