Cyclone Winston Flashcards
When did it hit Fiji
20th February 2016 at category 5
When were warnings for Fiji issued
14-15th February but stopped on 16th
What happened on the 17th February
Stopped heading east and turned west, back towards Fiji. It also gained windspeed reaching category 5
Why were warnings resumed
Warnings resumed on 18th after Winston doubled back towards Fiji
What was Winston’s sudden turn caused by
A high-pressure system, centred over New Zealand as well as strong easterly winds - classic easterly dip
How fast was it
185mph category 5 with 10 minute sustained winds of 170mph.
What records did it break
The strongest tropical cyclones to hit landfall in the southern hemisphere since 1970 when reliable records began.
The costliest tropical cyclone on record in the South Pacific basin
What date did it hit peak intensity
20th February
How many people died
44 died, 126 injured
How much damage was there ($)
1.4 billion dollars
How many people were affected
350,000 - 40% of population
how many people needed water, sanitation and hygiene
250,000 people needed it due to power outages and damaged infrastructure
how many homes were damaged on Koro island
788 homes destroyed and 234 damaged
how many homes were damaged or destroyed overall
40,000
how many people were left homeless in Fiji
130,000
