Cyclone Belal

Tropical Cyclone Belal was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall over Réunion since Hondo in 2008, and the strongest to strike the island since Firinga in 1989. The second named storm of the 2023–24 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Belal was first identified as a disturbance east of Agaléga in early January 2024. On 11 January, the Météo-France upgraded it to tropical depression and began monitoring it. By 13 January, it intensified to moderate tropical storm and received the name Belal. On the next day, Belal attained tropical cyclone status and turned southeastward, headed towards the island of Réunion. Belal reached its peak intensity with winds of 140 km/h (85 mph) and strike the northeastern part of Réunion on 15 January. Belal gradually weakened after passing the Mascarene Islands, and lost tropical characteristics on 18 January. The system then executing an anti-clockwise loop south of Rodrigues, before dissipating on 23 January.

Belal brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to Réunion, which caused flooding and power outages across the island. Belal also affected Mauritius and brought torrential rain to the nation. In all, six fatalities were associated with Belal. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. estimated the total damage was $275 million (2024 USD).