The 2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season had the earliest named storm since 1992. Eleven tropical storms, two more than average, formed in the basin, which lies west of longitude 90°E and south of the equator. Many storms formed in the north-east portion of the basin, and several more originated around Australia. Tropical systems were present during 73 days, 15 more than average. Tropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in Réunion. The first storm was Andre, which emerged from the Australian basin as Tropical Cyclone Alex in late October, before the conventional storm season began. The strongest storm, Cyclone Hary (pictured), was the first very intense tropical cyclone since 2000; it hit Madagascar, where it caused lighter damage than expected but three deaths. In January, Cyclone Dina left heavy damage in the Mascarene Islands, particularly on Réunion, where it dropped 2,102 mm (82.8 in) of rainfall. The final storm was Cyclone Kesiny, which killed 33 people when it struck Madagascar amid a political crisis in May, after the conventional storm season had ended.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001%E2%80%9302_South-West_Indian_Ocean_cyclone_season

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

235:

Maximinus Thrax succeeded to the throne of the Roman Empire, the first of the so-called barracks emperors who gained power by virtue of his command of the army. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximinus_Thrax

1600:

Five advisers to Polish–Swedish king Sigismund III Vasa were publicly executed, effectively ending his reign. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link%C3%B6ping_Bloodbath

1852:

Uncle Tom's Cabin by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe was first published, profoundly affecting attitudes toward African Americans and slavery in the United States. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Tom%27s_Cabin

1923:

The Arts Club of Chicago hosted the opening of Pablo Picasso's first United States showing, entitled Original Drawings by Pablo Picasso, becoming an early proponent of modern art in the U.S. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_Club_of_Chicago

1993:

The Troubles: The second of two bomb attacks by the Provisional IRA in Warrington, England, killed two children. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrington_bomb_attacks

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

forethoughtful: Having or full of forethought; provident; proactive; visionary. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/forethoughtful

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

The number of the dead long exceedeth all that shall live. The night of time far surpasseth the day, and who knows when was the Æquinox? Every hour adds unto that current arithmetick, which scarce stands one moment.   --Thomas Browne https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_Browne