 Tropical Cyclone Kesiny was the first recorded tropical cyclone – the equivalent of a minimal hurricane – to make landfall in the month of May 2002 in the south @-@ west Indian Ocean . The final named storm of the busy 2001 – 02 South @-@ West Indian Ocean cyclone season , Kesiny formed on May 2 from a trough near the equator . Its formation was the result of an increase in the Madden – Julian oscillation , which also contributed to a twin storm in the north Indian Ocean that hit Oman , and another set of storms in northeast and southeast Indian Ocean . Kesiny initially moved to the southeast , but later turned to the southwest due to a strengthening ridge . On May 6 , it intensified into a tropical cyclone , but later weakened and was not expected to re @-@ strengthen . However , Kesiny developed an eye and re @-@ intensified into a tropical cyclone on May 9 , reaching peak winds of 130 km / h ( 81 mph ) before striking Madagascar about 60 km ( 37 mi ) southeast of Antsiranana . It weakened while crossing the country , and after turning to the south it struck the country again before dissipating on May 11 . 
