 Intense Tropical Cyclone Ivan near peak strength on 16 February | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 7 February 2008 |
| Dissipated | 22 February 2008 |
| Intense tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (MFR) | |
| Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 260 km/h (160 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 930 hPa (mbar); 27.46 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 230 km/h (145 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 929 hPa (mbar); 27.43 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 93 direct, 176 missing |
| Damage | $30 million (2008 USD) |
| Areas affected | Madagascar |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2007–08 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Intense Tropical Cyclone Ivan was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck Madagascar in February 2008. Forming from a persistent area of convection on 7 February, Ivan initially tracked southeastward, before looping to the west-southwest. Encountering favourable conditions, it strengthened to attain peak winds on 17 February before striking northeastern Madagascar. It degenerated into a remnant low pressure area as it crossed the island, and briefly re-organized into a weak tropical depression before dissipating on 22 February.
Ivan caused heavy damage in Madagascar, leaving severe flooding and wind damage. In Île Sainte-Marie, the worst hit area, 90% of the infrastructure was destroyed, and 70% of the structures were destroyed. On mainland Madagascar, over 400,000 acres (1,600 km2) of cultivated crops were destroyed, leaving hundreds of families without food. In addition, severe flooding and high winds in Toamasina left the entire city without electricity or drinkable water. In all, over 330,000 people were left homeless, and the storm caused 93 deaths.