 Despite the destructive nature of the season , it began later than usual . Cyclone Astride originated toward the end of December , bringing rainfall and gusty winds to northern Madagascar while in the region . In January , cyclones Babiola and Connie both formed east of Madagascar and took southerly tracks . Connie passed near Réunion island , producing 1 @,@ 752 mm ( 69 @.@ 0 in ) of rainfall in the mountainous peaks and killing two people . Eline , the longest lasting storm of the season , struck Mozambique while the country was experiencing its worst flooding in 50 years , collectively causing around 700 deaths and about $ 500 million in damage . The storm also killed 12 people in Zimbabwe and 21 in South Africa . Just two weeks after Eline struck Madagascar , Tropical Storm Gloria affected the same general region , bringing additional deaths and damage . Cyclone Hudah in April was the strongest storm of the season , reaching peak 10 ‑ minute winds of 220 km / h ( 140 mph ) . It caused three deaths in Mozambique , although its effects were worse in Madagascar , where there were 111 deaths . The final storm of the season was Tropical Storm Innocente , which dissipated on April 24 . In addition to the named storms , there were four unnamed tropical disturbances or storms , as well as one subtropical cyclone that formed in the southern Mozambique Channel . 
