Extensive damage in New Caledonia after passage of Tropical Cyclone “Niran”
The center of Tropical Cyclone "Niran" passed just south of New Caledonia on March 6, 2021, causing extensive damage to the power grid and vegetation across the island. At least two people were injured and more than 20 000 left without power. Niran was Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone on the Australian scale as it passed near the state; it peaked on March 5 with maximum sustained winds of 255 km/h (160 mph) — one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Southwest Pacific.
The cyclone brought a lot of rain and wind gusts of up to 220 km/h (135 mph) to New Caledonia, downing power lines and ripping roofs off of buildings in areas such as Dumbea, on the outskirts of Noumea (population 94 000).
One child was injured by broken glass from a bay window and several ships forced aground near Noumea, authorities reported.
#NouvelleCaledonie >
Le cyclone tropical intense Niran touche aujourd'hui la Nouvelle-Calédonie, où il engendré des rafales allant jusqu'à 220 km/h et, selon un bilan encore provisoire, fait un blessé et de nombreux dégâts matériels. pic.twitter.com/bzDJLaYVZm— L'info en direct (@rodinfo0) March 6, 2021
#niran #NewCaledonia #newcaledonia #cylone #hurricane #Hurricane #noumea #NouvelleCaledonie This morning after the passage of cyclone Niran. Some damage to the broken branches and roller shutters torn off. The sky is blue… pic.twitter.com/8Azou1lVwt
— Semistia Culture (@semistia) March 6, 2021
Tifón #Niran #Noumea, Nueva Caledonia. pic.twitter.com/k91NeikGYX
— Carlos Juan Semidey (@QuakeChaser35) March 7, 2021
At 03:00 UTC on March 7, the cycle was moving along the southwest periphery of the deep layered subtropical rige to the east.
The harsh upper level dynamics, along with the decreased sea surface temperatures, has decreased the system intensity over the past six hours as it underwent a subtropical transition.
Niran peaked as a Category 5 cyclone on the Australian scale with maximum sustained winds of 255 km/h (160 mph) on March 5, becoming one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Southwest Pacific.
Featured image: Tropical Cyclone "Niran" at 03:00 UTC on March 6, 2021. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8, RAMMB/CIRA, TW
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.