1972–73 South Pacific cyclone season

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. == Seasonal summary == == Systems == === 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 Felicity === Felicity existed from January 14 to January 18. === Tropical Cyclone Elenore === Elenore existed from January 31 to February 7. === Tropical Cyclone Glenda === Glenda existed from January 31 to February 1. === Tropical Cyclone Henrietta === === Tropical Cyclone Juliette === Juliette existed from April 2 to April 6. == Seasonal effects == == See also == Atlantic hurricane seasons: 1972, 1973 Eastern Pacific hurricane seasons: 1972, 1973 Western Pacific typhoon seasons: 1972, 1973 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1972, 1973 == References == == External links == World Meteorological Organization Australian Bureau of Meteorology Fiji Meteorological Service New Zealand MetService Joint Typhoon Warning Center