First system formed October 19, 1972 Name Bebe Tropical cyclones 8 | Last system dissipated April 6, 1973 Total disturbances 8 Severe tropical cyclones 2 | |
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The 1972–73 South Pacific cyclone season ran year-round from July 1 to June 30. Tropical cyclone activity in the Southern Hemisphere reaches its peak from mid-February to early March.
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Severe Tropical Cyclone Bebe
Tropical Cyclone Bebe was a pre-season storm that impacted the Gilbert, Ellice, and Fiji island groups. First spotted on October 20, the system intensified and grew in size through October 22. Its course began along a south-southwest trajectory before recurving near the 14th parallel south, which resulted in a south-southeast motion through the western portion of the Fiji island group. It became the first cyclone to impact Fiji since 1952. On October 24, winds of 150 knots (280 km/h) or more were reported on Rotuma and Viti Levu. Cyclone Bebe passed through Funafuti on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22 October 1972. At about 4 p.m. on the 21st, sea water was bubbling through the coral on the airfield with the water reaching a height of about 4 –5 feet high. The Ellice Islands Colony's ship Moanaraoi was in the lagoon and survived, however 3 tuna boats were wrecked. Waves broke over the atoll. Five people died, two adults and a 3 month old child were swept away by waves, and two sailors from the tuna boats were drowned. Cyclone Bebe knocked down 90% of the houses and trees. The storm surge created a wall of coral rubble along the ocean side of Funafuti and Funafala that was about ten to twelve miles long, and about ten to twenty feet thick at the bottom. The cyclone submerged Funafuti and sources of drinking water were contaminated as a result of the system's storm surge and fresh water flooding. After passing by the archipelago, Bebe transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, with the remnants last noted on October 28. A total of 28 people died and thousands were left homeless. Damages totaled $20 million (1972 USD).
Tropical Cyclone Collette
Collette existed from November 2 to November 3.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Diana
Diana existed from December 6 to December 18.
Tropical Cyclone Elenore
Elenore existed from January 31 to February 7.
Tropical Cyclone Felicity
Felicity existed from January 14 to January 18.
Tropical Cyclone Glenda
Glenda existed from January 31 to February 1.
Tropical Cyclone Juliette
Juliette existed from April 2 to April 6.