Robyn

History

Tropical Cyclone Robyn developed in late November 2024, becoming the first named tropical cyclone of the 2024–25 Australian region season. Its origins trace back to a tropical low that the Bureau of Meteorology began monitoring around 14 November, with the system eventually consolidating approximately 650 kilometres northwest of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The BoM formally classified the disturbance as a tropical cyclone on 28 November, assigning it the name Robyn. It reached peak intensity on the same day as a Category 2 system, with ten-minute sustained winds of around 55 knots. Strong vertical wind shear and dry air intrusion then caused Robyn to weaken rapidly, and the BoM discontinued advisories by 29 November. The remnant system subsequently drifted westward, leaving the Australian area of responsibility in early December.

Although Robyn did not make landfall, it contributed to heavy rainfall across the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java. The associated flooding and landslides caused widespread destruction across multiple regencies. Fatalities were recorded in Karo, Padang Lawas, Sibolangit, South Tapanuli, Lima Puluh Kota, Subulussalam, Purworejo, Semarang, Cianjur, Bandung, and Malang, with the total death toll reaching several dozen people. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, and tens of thousands of residents were affected. Despite the significant loss of life, the name Robyn was not retired following the season.

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology report Wikipedia