Tropical Cyclone Gafilo (16S) approaching Madagascar

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this true-color image of Tropical Cyclone Gafilo churning in the waters northwest of Madagascar on March 6, 2004. At the time this image was taken, Gafilo has sustained winds of approximately 80 mph with gusts to 115 mph. Cyclone warnings had been posted for all of northwestern Madagascar.

By the time Gafilo finished passing over the northern end of the island-nation, it caused severe damage to cities already battered by Cyclone Elita, which hit less than a month ago. Together, the two cylcones are responsible for killing 29 people, injuring hundreds, and leaving more than 50,000 people homeless.

Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published March 8, 2004
Data acquired March 6, 2004

Source:

Terra > MODIS