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Cyclone Hola

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Hola
Cyclone Hola at peak intensity on 8 March
Meteorological history
Formed3 March 2018
Extratropical11 March
Dissipated13 March 2018
Category 4 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained(FMS)
Highest winds165 km/h (105 mph)
Lowest pressure952hPa(mbar); 28.11inHg
Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained(SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds185 km/h (115 mph)
Lowest pressure950hPa(mbar); 28.05inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities3 total
Areas affectedFiji,Vanuatu,New Caledonia,New Zealand
Part of the2017–18 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Holahad significant effects across Vanuatu in March 2018, resulting in the deaths of three people. Forming as a broad tropical disturbance on 5 March, the system slowly consolidated over the next few days before developing into a tropical cyclone on 6 March. Afterwards, a pinhole eye began to emerge andrapid intensificationensued.

Cyclone Hola caused extensive damage in Vanuatu, damaging or destroying 1,709 structures, ruining crops, and killing three people. Impacts were most severe inAmbrymwhere half of the areas homes were damaged and people suffered from food shortages.Ambae,already dealing with the disruptive effects of a volcanic eruption, had major damage. Several other provinces reported varying degrees of lesser impact. Fiji, New Caledonia, and New Zealand were also affected by the cyclone. The former two experienced negligible effects while the latter saw heavy rain and strong winds. Effects in New Zealand were less than initially feared, and local media called it a "lucky escape".

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Unknown
Storm type
triangleExtratropical cyclone,remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

In early March 2018, atrough of low pressureextended acrossFiji,resulting in inclement weather across a broad area. A poorly organized low developed within this trough to the northwest of Fiji, later being classified as Tropical Disturbance 03F by theFiji Meteorological Service(FMS).[1][2]The system produced persistentconvectionas it moved generally west-northwest towardVanuatuunder the influence of asubtropical ridgeto the south.[3]By 5 March, winds up to gale-force winds developed around the circulation and the FMS classified it as a tropical depression.[4]Around the same time, the United States-basedJoint Typhoon Warning Centeralso classified the system as a tropical depression, assigning it the identifier12P.[5]The following day, convection became increasingly organized and consolidated around the cyclone's center withbanding featuresforming around its periphery.[6][7]Satellitescatterometerdata showed an area of gale-force winds along the north-eastern side of the storm and with the aforementioned development, the JTWC classified the system as a tropical cyclone with its center located 210 km (130 mi) north-northeast ofPort Vila,Vanuatu.[6]Similarly, the FMS upgraded the depression to a Category 1 tropical cyclone andassigned it the nameHola.[8]Overall environmental conditions favored further intensification, marked by ampleoutflowaloft, highsea surface temperaturesof 30 °C (86 °F), and moderatewind shearthat was mitigated by the storm's westward trajectory.[6]Conditions soon became even more favorable as shear decreased, raising the likelihood ofrapid intensification.[9]Indeed Hola strengthened quickly as it approached north-eastern Vanuatu, withSSMISimagery depicting a formativeeye featureand winds reachingstorm-forcewinds late on 6 March.[8][9]

Hola crossed the islands ofAmbrymandPentecoston 6–7 March;[8]interaction with the land masses of Vanuatu disrupted the storm's core temporarily.[10]The system subsequently passed over the island ofMalekulaand moved into theCoral Seaduring 7 March, where it rapidly consolidated and developed a 10 km (5 mi) pinhole eye.[11][12]The FMS subsequently reported that Gita had become a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone and predicted that Hola would peak as a Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone.[13]However, during the following day Hola's eye weakened and became cloud filled, as it stalled to the west of Vanuatu. As a result, the FMS reported that the system had peaked as a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone with 10-minute sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph). During 8 March, the JTWC also reported that Hola had peaked with 1-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), which made it equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane on theSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.[14]

Preparations and impact

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During the nascent stages of the cyclone in early March, heavy rain alerts were issued for the entirety of Fiji with accumulations in excess of 100 mm (3.9 in) likely.[1][15][16]Rains from the trough and associated disturbance affected Fiji from 1–6 March.[17]Météo-Franceraised a pre-cyclone alert for the whole of New Caledonia on 7 March.[18]A level 2 alert, the second highest, was issued forLifou,Maré,andOuvéaon 9 March, prompting the closure of businesses and schools.[19]Initial reports upon the passage of Hola indicated minimal damage across the territory.[20]

Vanuatu

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False-color imagery of Cyclone Hola over Vanuatu on 6 March

During the cyclone's passage, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazard Department issued a "red alert" forMalampa,Penama,Sanma,andShefaprovinces.[18]Airports and schools were shuttered across the nation.[21]

Nationwide damage assessments revealed 1,467 homes damaged or destroyed, 83 community buildings damaged or destroyed, and 159 schools affected. Crops suffered upwards of 70–90 percent damage in the affected regions.[22]Malampa Province was hardest-hit, withAmbrymsustaining the most significant damage.[21]An estimated 50 percent of homes on the island were damaged, of which about 80 percent were made with local materials. The Nebul Health Centre sustained some damage. Extensive damage to local crops created food shortages.[23]Approximately 6 percent of the housing infrastructure across the province was damaged, and agriculture suffered extensive losses. Underwater drinking systems were compromised, leaving residents without access to clean water. TheMV Rosaliwrecked off the coast ofMalakula.[24]Damage across Penama was largely confined to southernPentecost Island,[24]with multiple homes were damaged or destroyed.[18]There, one person was killed and two others were injured.[25]The island's water supply was damaged and briefly unavailable before being restored by locals. Facilities at the Pangi Health Centre had minor damage.[26]Crops sustained significant losses acrossAmbae Island.[27]Coinciding with the eruption of theManaro Vouivolcano, heavy rainfall from Hola mixed with heavy ashfall to createacid rainand a 5 mm (0.20 in) accumulation of ash in southern parts ofAmbae.[24][28]In April, heavy rainfall fromCyclone Kenicaused further damage on the island.[29]Minor damage occurred in Shefa, Sanma, andTafeaprovinces, with communications in the latter disrupted inAneityum.[24]Two children drowned in a swollen river onEspiritu Santo.[30]

Following the storm's passage, the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office conducted aerial damage assessments and coordinated with local agencies to begin relief efforts.[24]An initial fund of 10 millionvatu(US$90,000) was provided to conduct these surveys.[22]Damage to infrastructure left many areas isolated, with parts of eastern Pentecost only accessible by bush trekking.[22]On 21 March, Vanuatu Minister of Health Jerome Ludvaune asked the government to declare a major disaster for North Malakula, stating the damage there was similar toCyclone Pam.[31]By 23 March, inadequate relief efforts led to victims stealing food in Malekula.[32]By early April distribution of relief goods was underway, with various affected areas receiving 107.5 kg (237 lb) of rice, 9,567 cartons of tinned tuna, 27,150 L (7,170 US gal) of water, 1,600 L (420 US gal) of gasoline, 243 shelter kits, and 535 tarpaulins. Furthermore, 40 million vatu (US$360,000) in funds was provided for West and South Ambae toward recovery from Hola and the Manaro Voui volcanic eruption.[22]UNICEFprovided 955WASHkits, benefiting 4,775 people. The agency distributed pamphlets in theBislamalanguage to ensure proper knowledge of the given materials.[29]Nationwide, total fiscal needs were calculated at 632 million vatu (US$5.66 million), of which only 14 percent was allocated for. An increase in mosquitoes carryingPlasmodium vivaxoccurred in the storm's wake. A small increase indiarrheaalso occurred, with 11–14 reported cases. Short- and long-term recovery plans for the two disasters totaled 1.1 billion vatu (US$10.6 million), with immediate efforts focused on food security and shelter and long-term efforts focused on education.[22]Transform Aid International in conjunction with Baptist Churches Vanuatu provided rice to 53 families.[33]The China Civil Engineering Construction Company provided logistics assistance to the Malampa Government and supported local community activities.[34]A three-monthstate of emergencywas enacted on 13 April, with a Joint Police Force deployed for security and assistance.[29]The national government and provincial government of Penma coordinated relocation plans for displaced residents on Ambae with completion expected by 15 May.[29]Hola contributed to the largest-eversupplemental budgetin Vanuatu, with a proposed spending bill of 940 million vatu (US$8.4 million).[35]

New Zealand

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Infrared satellite animation of Cyclone Hola weakening on approach to New Zealand on 10 March

Hola was the third former tropical cyclone in just over a month to impact New Zealand, followingFehiandGitain February.[36]TheNew Zealand MetServiceraised alerts for heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas in relation to Hola,[37]primarily for northern areas of the country. Local emergency services advised residents to take "basic precautions", including clearing of debris, securing loose outdoor furniture, clearing gutters, and checking ship moorings.[38]An estimated 80 surfers took toMount Maunganuito ride 2 m (6.6 ft) waves on 11 March;[39]farther offshore, waves were estimated to be 9 m (30 ft).Air New Zealandcancelled flights atWhangarei AirportandKerikeri AirportwhileVector Limitedplaced crews on standby for possible power outages.[40]Fire and Emergency New Zealanddispersed extra resources toEast Coastfor rapid response measures.[41]Thirteen families were evacuated from Bella Vista withinTaurangadue to concerns overbeach erosion.[42]Effects from the cyclone turned out to be less than anticipated, with reporters calling it a "lucky escape". Rainfall in some areas exceeded 100 mm (3.9 in), with 105 mm (4.1 in) measured nearTolaga Bayand estimated accumulations of 90 to 100 mm (3.5 to 3.9 in) in theCoromandel Range.Winds were strongest at the northern reaches of theNorth Island,where gusts reached 122 km/h (76 mph) inKaeo.Farther south nearAuckland,peak gusts ranged from 60 to 70 km/h (37 to 43 mph).[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ab"Heavy Rain and Flood Alerts in force"(PDF)(Press release). Fiji Meteorological Service. 3 March 2018.Archived(PDF)from the original on 8 March 2018.Retrieved23 March2022.
  2. ^Tropical Disturbance Summary March 3, 2018 09z (Technical Discussion). Fiji Meteorological Service. 3 March 2018.
  3. ^Tropical Disturbance Summary March 4, 2018 09z (Technical Discussion). Fiji Meteorological Service. 4 March 2018.
  4. ^Tropical Disturbance Summary March 5, 2018 09z (Technical Discussion). Fiji Meteorological Service. 5 March 2018.
  5. ^Bushnell, Jullene M.; Cherrett, R. Corey; Falvey, Robert J. (2019).Annual Tropical Cyclone Report(PDF)(Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center.Retrieved28 March2022.
  6. ^abcTropical Cyclone 12P (Twelve) Warning Nr 1 (Technical Discussion). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 6 March 2018.
  7. ^Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A5 (Technical Discussion). Fiji Meteorological Service. 6 March 2018.
  8. ^abcKnapp, Kenneth R.; Kruk, Michael C.; Levinson, David H.; Diamond, Howard J.; Neumann, Charles J. (2022).2018 Tropical Cyclone HOLA (2018064S16172).The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS): Unifying tropical cyclone best track data(Report). Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.Retrieved28 March2022.
  9. ^abTropical Cyclone 12P (Hola) Warning Nr 2 (Technical Discussion). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 6 March 2018.
  10. ^Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A9 (Technical Discussion). Fiji Meteorological Service. 7 March 2018.
  11. ^"Tropical Disturbance Advisory March 7, 2018 00z".Fiji Meteorological Service. 7 March 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 22 May 2024.Retrieved8 March2018.
  12. ^"Tropical Cyclone 12P (Hola) Warning March 7, 2018 15z".United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 7 March 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 22 May 2024.Retrieved8 March2018.
  13. ^"Strengthened Tropical Cyclone Hola batters Vanuatu, likely to hit New Zealand".Stuff.8 March 2018.Retrieved13 March2018.
  14. ^Best, Andy."Tropical Cyclone Hola Update - 10/3/18".MetService Blog.Archived fromthe originalon 17 June 2021.
  15. ^"TD09F moving further away from the group"(PDF)(Press release). Fiji Meteorological Service. 6 March 2018.Archived(PDF)from the original on 8 March 2018.Retrieved23 March2022.
  16. ^Reece, Rena (3 March 2018)."Heavy rain alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji".Fiji Village.Retrieved23 March2022.
  17. ^Fiji Climate Summary: March 2018(PDF)(Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. 9 April 2018.Retrieved23 March2022.
  18. ^abcVanuatu, New Caledonia – Tropical Cyclone Hola (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD, Meteo France New Caledonia, COGIC, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 7 March 2018)(Report). 7 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  19. ^Cyclone tropical intense HOLA: Déclenchement de l'alerte cyclonique de niveau 2 le vendredi 09 mars 2018 sur la province des Iles Loyauté. Ouvéa et Lifou à 14h00, Maré à 17h00(PDF)(Report) (in French). 9 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  20. ^"Cyclone Hola passes New Caledonia; damage appears to be minimal".Radio New Zealand. 10 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.
  21. ^abNDMO Vanuatu Situation Report TC Hola 08th March 2018(PDF)(Report). 8 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  22. ^abcdeResponse & Early Recovery Humanitarian Action Plan Tropical Cyclone Hola & Ambae Volcano(PDF)(Report). Government of Vanuatu. 6 April 2018.Retrieved23 March2022– via ReliefWeb.
  23. ^North Ambrym area council situation report # 1(PDF)(Report). 10 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  24. ^abcdeNDMO Vanuatu Situation Report TC Hola 12th March 2018(PDF)(Report). 12 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  25. ^Vanuatu, New Caledonia – Tropical Cyclone Hola Update (GDACS, JTWC, VMGD, Meteo France New Caledonia, COGIC, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 9 March 2018)(Report). 9 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  26. ^South Pentecost area council situation report # 1(PDF)(Report). 10 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  27. ^NDMO Vanuatu Situation Report TC Hola 7th March 2018(PDF)(Report). 7 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.{{cite report}}:Unknown parameter|agency=ignored (help)
  28. ^"The Biggest Eruption of 2018 Was Not Where You Think".NASA Earth Observatory. 28 February 2019.Retrieved28 January2022.
  29. ^abcdUNICEF Pacific (Vanuatu - Monaro Volcano) Humanitarian Situation Report No. 1, 26 April 2018(PDF)(Report). United Nations Children's Fund. 26 April 2018.Retrieved23 March2022– via ReliefWeb.
  30. ^"Two Vanuatu children drowned in flooded river during Cyclone Hola".Radio New Zealand. 14 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.
  31. ^"Call for Vanuatu's North Malekula to be declared a disaster zone".Radio New Zealand. 21 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.
  32. ^"Hungry Hola victims in Vanuatu resort to stealing food".Radio New Zealand. 23 March 2018.Retrieved28 January2022– via ReliefWeb.
  33. ^"Disaster Response"(PDF).Asia Pacific Baptist Federation. 2018.Retrieved23 March2022.
  34. ^Roberts, Anita (9 July 2018)."CCECC continues to support community".Daily Post.Retrieved23 March2022.
  35. ^McGarry, Dan (17 November 2018)."VT940 Million in new spending".Daily Post.Retrieved23 March2022.
  36. ^abNeilson, Michael (12 March 2018)."New Zealand's 'lucky' escape as worst of Cyclone Hola stays offshore".The New Zealand Herald.Retrieved29 January2022.
  37. ^"Tropical Cyclone Hola Headed Toward New Caledonia".Voice of America. Reuters. 8 March 2018.Retrieved29 January2022.
  38. ^"Cyclone Hola: All you need to know".The New Zealand Herald.11 March 2018.Retrieved29 January2022.
  39. ^"Cyclone Hola: Surfers flock to ride Mount Maunganui waves".The New Zealand Herald.11 March 2018.Retrieved29 January2022.
  40. ^"Cyclone Hola weather: Northland hit first, followed by Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Hawke's Bay".The New Zealand Herald.11 March 2018.Retrieved29 January2022.
  41. ^"Ex-cyclone Hola hits Northland".Stuff. 12 March 2018.Retrieved29 January2022.
  42. ^Cousins, John (17 April 2018)."Bella Vista homes declared dangerous, unable to be re-occupied".The New Zealand Herald.Retrieved29 January2022.
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