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Tropical Cyclone Beni - Jan 2003

Statut
Passé
Pays
Îles Salomon
Types de catastrophes
Cyclone tropical

On Sunday 26 January, Tropical Cyclone BENI passed within 90 km of the eastern tip of Rennell, the Solomon Islands, at about 1600 hours local time (0500 GMT). The cyclone, then Category 2, caused continuous torrential rain, high winds, and rough seas with heavy swell to the islands of Rennell (population: 1,260) and Bellona (population: 750) for a 48-hour period as the cyclone hovered nearby. According to reports received by radio from Tingoa, the provincial centre, and settlements such as Lavangu, locals took shelter in caves on higher ground and a recently built cyclone-resistant classroom near Lake Tengano on Rennell. No casualties were reported by 29 January; however, 85 semi-permanent buildings sustained significant damage, and 55 families lost items of property. Tree crops such as coconuts, papaya and banana fared badly, and key dietary staples including the sweet potato crop were damaged by flooding of the villages and gardens around the lake, and by saltwater inundation of low-lying areas. (OCHA, 29 Jan 2003)