View source for Cyclone Savannah

{{Short description|Australian region tropical cyclone}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah
| image = Savannah 2019-03-17 0724Z.jpg
| caption = Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah at peak intensity on 17&nbsp;March 2019 
| formed = 8 March 2019
| remnant = 20 March 2019
| dissipated = 24 March 2019
}}{{Infobox weather event/BOM
| winds = 95
| gusts = 135
| pressure = 951
}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 105
| pressure = 957
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2019
| fatalities = 10
| missing = 1
| damage-prefix = >
| damage = 7500000
| areas = [[Bali]], [[Java]], [[Christmas Island]], [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = 2018–19 [[2018–19 Australian region cyclone season|Australian region]] and [[2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|South-West Indian Ocean]] cyclone seasons
}}
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah''' was a strong [[tropical cyclone]] that brought significant impacts to [[Java]] and [[Bali]] and minor impacts to [[Christmas Island]] and the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]] during March 2019. It was the sixteenth tropical low, sixth tropical cyclone and third severe tropical cyclone of the [[2018–19 Australian region cyclone season]]. Savannah developed from a tropical low that formed well to the east of Christmas Island on 8&nbsp;March. The system was slow to develop initially, but reached tropical cyclone intensity on 13 March after adopting a southwesterly track. Savannah underwent [[rapid intensification]] and reached peak intensity on 17&nbsp;March as a Category&nbsp;4 severe tropical cyclone on the [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia and Fiji|Australian scale]]. Ten-minute [[Maximum sustained wind|sustained winds]] were estimated as {{convert|175|km/h|mph}}, with a central [[Atmospheric pressure|barometric pressure]] of 951&nbsp;[[Pascal (unit)|hPa]] (28.08&nbsp;[[Inch of mercury|inHg]]). One-minute sustained winds reached {{convert|185|km/h|mph}} at this time, equivalent to a Category&nbsp;3 major hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale|Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]]. Weakening commenced soon afterwards, and responsibility for the system passed from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to [[Météo-France]]. As it moved into the new region, Savannah became the eighth of a record-breaking ten intense tropical cyclones in the [[2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season]]. Savannah was downgraded to a tropical depression on 20&nbsp;March, and its remnants dissipated in the central [[Indian Ocean]] on 24&nbsp;March.

Savannah brought significant impacts to Java and Bali early in its lifetime. Prolonged heavy rainfall and river level rise led to widespread [[flooding]] and [[landslide]]s throughout the region. Floodwaters impacted scores of villages, causing damage to thousands of homes, submerging thousands of [[hectare]]s of agricultural land and cutting off access to key infrastructure and services. Thousands of families were affected during the event, with evacuations occurring both before and after the flooding. According to local media reports, the total damage and economic losses caused by the disaster exceeded [[Indonesian rupiah|Rp]]106&nbsp;billion (US$7.5&nbsp;million).{{#tag:ref|The damage and economic losses total of more than Rp106 billion (US$7.5 million) was calculated from individual damage totals from news reports.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://madiun.solopos.com/read/20190310/516/976911/kerugian-akibat-banjir-madiun-capai-rp54-miliar|title=Kerugian Akibat Banjir Madiun Capai Rp54 Miliar!|last=Mustofa|first=Ali|date=6 March 2019|work=Madiunpos|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=Kompas|language=id|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327123109/https://madiun.solopos.com/read/20190310/516/976911/kerugian-akibat-banjir-madiun-capai-rp54-miliar|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news|url=https://news.detik.com/berita-jawa-timur/d-4468430/banjir-2-hari-rugikan-ponorogo-rp-9-miliar|title=Banjir 2 Hari Rugikan Ponorogo Rp 9 Miliar|last=Pebrianti|first=Charoline|date=15 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=detikNews|language=id}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite news|url=https://aceh.antaranews.com/nasional/berita/808385/banjir-timbulkan-kerugian-rp5-miliar-lebih-di-tulungagung|title=Banjir timbulkan kerugian Rp5 miliar lebih di Tulungagung|date=11 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=Antara Aceh|language=id}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=https://kumparan.com/beritabojonegoro/38-desa-di-bojonegoro-tergenang-banjir-kerugian-capai-rp-4-miliar-1552048092892744298|title=38 Desa di Bojonegoro Tergenang Banjir, Kerugian Capai Rp 4 Miliar|website=kumparan|language=id-ID|access-date=2019-05-26}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=http://www.jpnn.com/news/banjir-di-ngawi-petani-merugi-hingga-rp-33-miliar|title=Banjir di Ngawi, Petani Merugi hingga Rp 33 Miliar|date=11 March 2019|website=www.jpnn.com|language=id|access-date=2019-05-26}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web|url=https://www.suara.com/news/2019/03/11/145601/bpbd-magetan-kerugian-akibat-banjir-hampir-rp-1-miliar|title=BPBD Magetan: Kerugian Akibat Banjir Hampir Rp 1 Miliar|website=suara.com|date=11 March 2019 |language=id-ID|access-date=2019-05-26}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite web|url=https://soloraya.solopos.com/read/20190313/493/977640/3275-ha-sawah-puso-karena-banjir-petani-klaten-rugi-ratusan-juta-rupiah|title=32,75 Ha Sawah Puso Karena Banjir, Petani Klaten Rugi Ratusan Juta Rupiah|last=Media|first=Solopos Digital|website=Solopos.com|language=id|access-date=2019-05-26}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web|url=https://radarsolo.jawapos.com/read/2019/03/08/123856/banjir-sukoharjo-kerugian-capai-rp-300-juta-sawah-terendam-379-ha|title=Banjir Sukoharjo, Kerugian Capai Rp 300 Juta, Sawah Terendam 379 Ha|last=JawaPos.com|date=2019-03-08|website=radarsolo.jawapos.com|language=id|access-date=2019-05-26|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524025119/https://radarsolo.jawapos.com/read/2019/03/08/123856/banjir-sukoharjo-kerugian-capai-rp-300-juta-sawah-terendam-379-ha|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web|url=https://radarbali.jawapos.com/read/2019/03/11/124206/disapu-air-bah-rumah-subsidi-seharga-rp-150-juta-diterjang-banjir|title=Disapu Air Bah, Rumah Subsidi Seharga Rp 150 Juta Diterjang Banjir|last=JawaPos.com|date=2019-03-11|website=radarbali.jawapos.com|language=id|access-date=2019-05-26}}</ref>|group="nb"}} Ten people were reported to have died during the event, making Savannah the deadliest tropical cyclone in the Australian region since [[Cyclone Cempaka|Tropical Cyclone Cempaka]] in 2017. News reports also indicate that at least five people were injured and that one person went missing during the disaster.{{#tag:ref|The total number of fatalities, injuries and missing people was calculated from individual news reports.<ref name="Savannah death">{{cite news|url=https://www.voaindonesia.com/a/badai-tropis-savannah-sedikitnya-5-meninggal-di-diy/4835857.html|title=Badai Tropis Savannah, Sedikitnya 5 Meninggal di DIY|last=Sucahyo|first=Nurhadi|date=18 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=VOA Indonesia|language=id}}</ref><ref name="child death" /><ref name=":2">{{cite news|url=http://bali.tribunnews.com/2019/03/13/empat-wisatawan-tewas-terseret-banjir-bandang|title=Empat Wisatawan Tewas Terseret Banjir Bandang|last=Mustofa|first=Ali|date=13 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=Tribun Bali|language=id}}</ref><ref name="jpost" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/03/18/five-dead-one-missing-after-flooding-landslides-in-yogyakarta.html|title=Five dead, one missing after flooding, landslides in Yogyakarta|website=The Jakarta Post|access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

== Meteorological history ==
{{storm path|Savannah 2019 track.png|300px|left}}
During early March, a moderate strength pulse of the [[Madden–Julian oscillation]] tracked eastwards across the tropical [[Indian Ocean]] and into the [[Maritime Continent]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropical-note/|title=Weekly Tropical Climate Note|date=5 March 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522210041/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropical-note/|archive-date=22 May 2019|access-date=21 May 2019|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> The pulse brought with it weak [[monsoon]]al conditions to the north of Australia, as well as an atmospheric environment that was favourable for [[tropical cyclogenesis]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropical-note/|title=Weekly Tropical Climate Note|date=12 March 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522210041/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropical-note/|archive-date=22 May 2019|access-date=21 May 2019|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> On 8&nbsp;March, the [[Bureau of Meteorology|Australian Bureau of Meteorology]] (BOM) noted the formation of a weak tropical low (identifier&nbsp;17U) within a [[monsoon trough]] stretching from [[Java]] to the [[Solomon Islands]]—one of several tropical lows that would develop within this trough.<ref name=":10" /> Located south of [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]], and approximately {{convert|970|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [[Christmas Island]], the nascent tropical low began moving slowly westwards.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/sevwx/wa/watc20190308.shtml|title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah severe weather report|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/glw_00z.shtml|title=South East Asia Gradient Level Wind Analysis (00Z)|date=8 March 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601083121/http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/glw_00z.shtml|archive-date=1 June 2019|access-date=21 May 2019|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> Tracking roughly parallel to the southern coastline of Java, the system passed just to the south of Christmas Island at 06:00&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on 11&nbsp;March, before turning to the northwest.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/index.shtml|title=BOM Best Track Data|date=21 May 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref>

The tropical low executed a poleward turn on 12&nbsp;March, assuming a course to the southwest by the following day.<ref name=":9" /> Tracking away from Indonesia, the storm began to strengthen in a generally favourable environment. The BOM upgraded the system to a Category&nbsp;1 tropical cyclone on the [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia and Fiji|Australian scale]] at 18:00&nbsp;UTC on 13&nbsp;March as it was approaching the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]], and gave it the name Savannah.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":12" /> Six hours later, the United States' [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) indicated that the system had reached tropical storm strength on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale|Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=https://ftp.emc.ncep.noaa.gov/wd20vxt/hwrf-init/decks/bsh192019.dat|title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah Track File|date=22 March 2019|website=National Center for Environmental Prediction|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> Intensification continued as Savannah passed approximately {{convert|110|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and the system reached Category&nbsp;2 late on 14&nbsp;March.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":12" /> Savannah became a Category&nbsp;3 severe tropical cyclone the following day, and adopted a track to the west-southwest under the influence of a high-pressure [[Trough (meteorology)|ridge]] in the mid-[[troposphere]] further to the south.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/francais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSF_201903171800_SAVANNAH.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Savannah Analysis Bulletin #1 (18Z)|date=17 March 2019|website=Météo-France|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> The storm began to strengthen quickly on 16&nbsp;March, reaching peak intensity as a Category&nbsp;4 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale at 06:00&nbsp;UTC the following day, making it the then-strongest storm of the [[2018–19 Australian region cyclone season]]. The BOM estimated ten-minute [[Maximum sustained wind|sustained winds]] to be at {{convert|175|km/h|mph}}, [[Wind gust|gusting]] to {{convert|250|km/h|mph}}, with a central [[Atmospheric pressure|barometric pressure]] of 951&nbsp;[[Pascal (unit)|hPa]] (28.08&nbsp;[[Inch of mercury|inHg]]).<ref name=":12" /> The JTWC analysed the storm to be producing one-minute sustained winds of {{convert|185|km/h|mph}}, making the system equivalent to a Category&nbsp;3 major hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.<ref name=":13" />

Savannah soon began to weaken, with ten-minute sustained winds decreasing to {{convert|140|km/h|mph}} twelve hours later. By 00:00&nbsp;UTC on 18&nbsp;March, the system tracked over the [[90th&nbsp;meridian east]] and into the [[Tropical cyclone basins#South-West Indian Ocean|South-West Indian Ocean cyclone region]], and hence responsibility for the storm transitioned to [[Météo-France]] (MFR) at [[Réunion|La Réunion]].<ref name=":12" /> According to the [[Tropical cyclone scales#South-West Indian Ocean|scale]] used by MFR, Savannah was reclassified as a tropical cyclone.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/francais/activiteope/data/20182019/2018RE12.html|title=Intense Tropical Cyclone Savannah Track File|date=22 March 2019|website=Météo-France|language=fr|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> Immediately upon entering the region, increasing westerly vertical [[wind shear]] allowed dry air to become entrained in the storm's circulation. A rapid weakening trend ensued, despite the warm [[sea surface temperature]]s in the vicinity.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/francais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSF_201903180000_SAVANNAH.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Savannah Analysis Bulletin #2 (00Z)|date=18 March 2019|website=Météo-France|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> The system's deep convection proceeded to unravel, leaving the low-level circulation centre exposed, and ten-minute sustained winds decreased to {{convert|75|km/h|mph}} by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on 19&nbsp;March.<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/francais/activiteope/bulletins/cmrs/CMRSF_201903190000_SAVANNAH.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Savannah Analysis Bulletin #6 (00Z)|date=19 March 2019|website=Météo-France|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> As the convective structure weakened further, Savannah was downgraded to a [[Beaufort scale|gale-force]] remnant tropical depression at 06:00&nbsp;UTC on 20&nbsp;March. The system turned briefly east-southeastwards before adopting a track towards the west-northwest on 21&nbsp;March.<ref name=":15" /> The JTWC downgraded Savannah below tropical storm status at 12:00&nbsp;UTC that day.<ref name=":13" /> Ex-Tropical Cyclone Savannah was last mentioned by MFR on 23&nbsp;March, and dissipated by 12:00&nbsp;UTC the next day in the central Indian Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/francais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITF_201903231001.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Activity Bulletin|date=23 March 2019|website=Météo-France|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/francais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITF_201903240953.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Activity Bulletin|date=24 March 2019|website=Météo-France|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref>

== Impacts ==

=== Indonesia ===

[[File:Savannah 2019-03-08 0248Z.jpg|thumb|Savannah's precursor tropical low located to the south of [[Java]] on 8&nbsp;March]]
The Indonesian islands of Java and Bali were significantly affected by Savannah's precursor tropical low during the first half of March. Very heavy rainfall occurred across large parts of the islands as the tropical low tracked westwards, causing rapid river level rise, flooding and many [[landslide]]s. A total of ten people died during the disaster, making Savannah the deadliest tropical cyclone in the Australian region since [[Cyclone Cempaka|Tropical Cyclone Cempaka]], which killed at least 41 people in Java in November 2017.<ref name="Savannah death" /><ref name="child death" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="jpost">{{cite news|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/06/cyclone-cempaka-leaves-at-least-41-dead.html|title=Cyclone Cempaka leaves at least 41 dead|date=6 December 2017|access-date=14 January 2019|publisher=The Jakarta Post}}</ref>

The [[Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency|Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics]] indicated that {{convert|148|mm|in|abbr=on}} of precipitation fell in parts of [[Yogyakarta]] during 17&nbsp;March. The regency of [[Bantul Regency|Bantul]], located downstream from six major rivers, as well as the neighbouring [[Purworejo Regency]], experienced widespread flooding with depths of up to {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}. More than 5,000 residents were forced to evacuate, and access to electricity to was cut by the floodwaters. Numerous landslides in Bantul were also triggered by the extreme rainfall, causing damage and hampering rescue and evacuation efforts. One landslide in Bantul's [[Imogiri]] district destroyed two houses at the bottom of a cliff, killing three people, and leaving one more missing. Another person was later swept away by floodwaters, and another was killed when a wall collapsed.<ref name="Savannah death" /><ref name=":8" />

The economic losses that occurred in [[Madiun Regency]] were the worst in two decades, with damages and losses amounting to more than [[Indonesian rupiah|Rp]]54&nbsp;billion (US$3.8&nbsp;million), and more than 5,700 families affected by the disaster. 5,086 houses were damaged by floodwaters throughout the region, and flooding and landslides destroyed three bridges and covered many roads, impeding transportation.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://regional.kompas.com/read/2019/03/06/08410311/diterjang-banjir-ruas-jalan-nasional-madiun-ngawi-putus-total|title=Diterjang Banjir, Ruas Jalan Nasional Madiun-Ngawi Putus Total|last=Media|first=Kompas Cyber|website=KOMPAS.com|date=6 March 2019 |language=id|access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref> A car crash occurred on a wet road in Madiun, resulting in the death of a five-year-old boy and serious injuries to two adults.<ref name="child death">{{cite news|url=http://www.tribunnews.com/regional/2019/03/07/kecelakaan-mobil-di-jalan-tol-madiun-surabaya-bocah-5-tahun-tewas|title=Kecelakaan Mobil di Jalan Tol Madiun-Surabaya, Bocah 5 Tahun Tewas|last=Bagus|first=Rahadian|date=7 March 2019|access-date=17 March 2019|publisher=Tribunnews|language=id}}</ref> 497&nbsp;[[hectare]]s (1230&nbsp;[[acre]]s) of rice fields were submerged, causing crops to fail and farmers to harvest early to prevent further damage. Significant livestock losses also occurred, including cows, goats and more than 4,000 chickens.<ref name=":0" /> In the nearby village of Klumutan, inundation of up to {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in depth damaged hundreds of houses.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://regional.kompas.com/read/2019/03/06/09232151/banjir-terjang-3-kecamatan-di-kabupaten-madiun-ratusan-rumah-terendam|title=Banjir Terjang 3 Kecamatan di Kabupaten Madiun, Ratusan Rumah Terendam|last=Media|first=Kompas Cyber|website=KOMPAS.com|date=6 March 2019 |language=id|access-date=2019-05-21}}</ref> Two residents in a village in Madiun died of illness during the event, but were unable to be buried initially due to the flooding of the local cemetery.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://regional.kompas.com/read/2019/03/06/15315611/kapolres-kabar-2-orang-tewas-akibat-banjir-di-madiun-hoaks|title=Kapolres: Kabar 2 Orang Tewas akibat Banjir di Madiun Hoaks|last=Muhlis|first=Al Alawi|date=10 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=Solopos|language=id}}</ref>

Further damage and agricultural losses occurred in the regencies of [[Ngawi Regency|Ngawi]], [[Tulungagung Regency|Tulungagung]], [[Bojonegoro Regency|Bojonegoro]] and [[Ponorogo Regency|Ponorogo]], totalling more than Rp51&nbsp;billion (US$3.6&nbsp;million). In Ngawi, flooding caused approximately {{convert|1,400|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of agricultural land to become submerged, and damages and economic losses in that regency alone reached Rp33.2&nbsp;billion (US$2.35&nbsp;million).<ref name=":18" /> {{convert|1,183|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of agricultural land was damaged by flooding in Tulungagung, with crops of rice, melon, chili, long bean and onion affected.<ref name=":4" /> In Bojonegoro, flooding of the [[Solo River]] resulted in widespread impacts. Inundation occurred in 48 villages, affecting more than 1,600 families and causing 50 families to evacuate. A total of {{convert|2,097|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of rice fields were submerged by the river water, as well as two kindergartens and three schools.<ref name=":17" /> Even after beginning to recede, the level of the Solo River was at above {{convert|27.44|m|ft|abbr=on}} in [[Karangnongko|Karangnongko District]], causing the [[Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management]] to issue red alerts for riverine flooding for areas further downstream.<ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20190307174830-20-375356/bpbd-sebut-kerugian-banjir-bengawan-solo-capai-rp1-miliar|title=BPBD Sebut Kerugian Banjir Bengawan Solo Capai Rp1 Miliar|date=7 March 2019|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=CNN Indonesia|language=id}}</ref> Flooding in Ponorogo from the Solo River caused five bridges to collapse, and submerged {{convert|1,700|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of rice crops.<ref name=":3" />

Combined damage in the regencies of [[Magetan Regency|Magetan]], [[Sukoharjo Regency|Sukoharjo]], [[Klaten Regency|Klaten]] and [[Buleleng Regency|Bulelung]] exceeded Rp2&nbsp;billion (US$140,000). In Magetan, flooding of several rivers caused significant damage to infrastructure, agricultural land and residential areas. 100 people were stranded when nearly 500 houses were flooded in two villages, and damage to roads further inhibited access to affected areas. Losses were sustained on agricultural land, and livestock were killed by the flooding.<ref name=":19" /> {{convert|379|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of rice fields were inundates in Sukoharjo,<ref name=":21" /> and flooding of the Gamping River in Klaten submerged {{convert|738|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of rice fields.<ref name=":20" /> In Bulelung in northern Bali, heavy rainfall caused a river that was clogged with garbage and wood to overflow, damaging roads, bridges and electricity infrastructure. A government-subsidised housing complex sustained damage from the flooding, with one house being swept away by the floodwaters.<ref name=":22" />

Four tourists were killed and three others were injured in [[Magelang Regency]] in central Java on 13&nbsp;March. The victims had been [[Tubing (recreation)|tubing]] along the rapids in a river when they were overcome by flash flooding.<ref name=":2" /> Several villages in the [[Pasuruan Regency]] were affected by flooding, with roads and residential areas becoming inundated. Water levels reaching as high as {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in Kebrukan Village.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.detik.com/berita-jawa-timur/d-4477451/desa-di-pasuruan-terendam-banjir-lebih-1-meter-aktivitas-warga-lumpuh|title=Desa di Pasuruan Terendam Banjir Lebih 1 Meter, Aktivitas Warga Lumpuh|last=Arifin|first=Muhajir|date=21 March 2019|access-date=31 March 2019|publisher=detikNews|language=id}}</ref>
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=== Australia ===

The Australian territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands experienced minor impacts as Savannah passed nearby. During 11&nbsp;March, Savannah's precursor tropical low passed just to the south of Christmas Island.<ref name=":12" /> At that time, the system had ten-minute sustained winds of only about {{convert|35|km/h|mph}}. As such, no strong winds were recorded on the island. A maximum gust of {{convert|50|km/h|mph}} was observed at 20:05&nbsp;UTC on 12&nbsp;March once the system had strengthened further after moving away to the west.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/201903/html/IDCJDW6026.201903.shtml|title=Christmas Island March 2019 daily weather observations|date=1 April 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> A total of {{convert|60.2|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall was recorded on Christmas Island during the seven days from 8–14&nbsp;March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=200790|title=Christmas Island rainfall data|date=21 May 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> The system made its closest approach to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on 14&nbsp;March, after intensification into a Category&nbsp;1 tropical cyclone.<ref name=":9" /> In preparation for the system's anticipated impacts on the islands, the BOM began issuing tropical cyclone advice products for residents and local authorities at 06:50&nbsp;UTC on 13&nbsp;March. Strong sustained winds were experienced on the islands, peaking at gale-force, and a maximum gust of {{convert|80|km/h|mph}} was recorded at 21:35&nbsp;UTC on 13&nbsp;March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/201903/html/IDCJDW6027.201903.shtml|title=Cocos (Keeling) Islands March 2019 weather observations|date=1 April 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> The wind caused defoliation and vegetation damage on the islands, as well as minor damage to property, but no injuries were reported.<ref name=":9" /> Tropical cyclone advice publications were discontinued at 06:50&nbsp;UTC on 14&nbsp;March as the system tracked further away from the islands.<ref name=":9" /> Over the ten days from 9–18&nbsp;March, {{convert|62.6|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall was recorded at the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport]] on [[West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands|West Island]], the territory's capital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=200284|title=Cocos (Keeling) Islands rainfall data|date=21 May 2019|website=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref>
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== Aftermath ==

Following the significant damage caused by the weather system, the Ponorogo Regency government committed to conduct [[dredging]] operations to widen the Solo River in order to mitigate future flooding impacts. The government also indicated that they would attempt to quickly rebuild damaged bridges through a special allocation of budget resources for the disaster response. Additionally, residents were urged to refrain from disposing of rubbish in the river, as it was noted that this could exacerbate the risk and impacts of flooding.<ref name=":3" /> Significant rubbish pollution resulting in river clogging was also observed in the Bulelung Regency in Bali, where it was regarded as a contributing factor to the flooding.<ref name=":22" />

The East Java government allocated Rp100&nbsp;billion (US$7.1&nbsp;million) in funding for local governments that declared states of emergency in their local regions due to flooding. The money was intended to cover logistics, equipment, human resources and other necessities for disaster relief and cleanup efforts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nusantara.medcom.id/jawa-timur/peristiwa-jatim/RkjR6pwk-pemprov-jatim-anggarkan-rp100-miliar-untuk-bencana-banjir|title=Pemprov Jatim Anggarkan Rp100 Miliar Untuk Bencana Banjir|language=id|publisher=Medcom|date=11 March 2019|access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> Farmers who were affected by the disaster were also able to access Rp6 million (US$420) in compensation from local governments for every hectare (2.5&nbsp;acres) of damaged agricultural land on their property.<ref name=":3" /> With approximately {{convert|8,000|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of agricultural land submerged by floodwaters during the disaster, this would have amounted to a total of approximately Rp48&nbsp;billion (US$3.4&nbsp;million); however, some farmers were not able to benefit from this assistance as they did not have the necessary agricultural insurance policy provided by the government.<ref name=":20" />

== See also ==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[Weather of 2019]]
* [[Tropical cyclones in 2019]]
*[[2003–04 Australian region cyclone season#Severe Tropical Cyclone Oscar–Itseng|Severe Tropical Cyclone Oscar–Itseng (2004)]]—originated in the Australian region and took a similar track to Savannah
*[[Cyclone Cempaka|Cyclone Cempaka (2017)]]—a weak tropical cyclone that killed at least 41 people in Java during November 2017
*[[Cyclone Ernie|Severe Tropical Cyclone Ernie (2017)]]—took a similar track to Savannah
*[[2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season#Intense Tropical Cyclone Kenanga|Intense Tropical Cyclone Kenanga]]—originated in the Australian region and tracked into the South-West Indian Ocean region
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== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Cyclone Savannah}}
*[http://www.bom.gov.au/ Australian Bureau of Meteorology]
*[http://www.meteofrance.re/ Météo-France at La Réunion] (in French)
*[https://www.bmkg.go.id/ Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics] (in [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]])
*[https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html Joint Typhoon Warning Center]
*[http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/sevwx/wa/watc20190308.shtml Official severe weather report on Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah]

{{2018–19 Australian region cyclone season buttons}}
{{2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season buttons}}
{{Category 4 Australian region tropical cyclones}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Savannah (2019)}}
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2019]]
[[Category:2018–19 Australian region cyclone season]]
[[Category:2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Western Australia]]
[[Category:Category 4 Australian region cyclones]]
[[Category:Intense Tropical Cyclones]]
[[Category:Floods in Indonesia]]