Cyclone Batsirai has resulted in 92 deaths and impacted 91,000 individuals in Madagascar. It is the second devastating storm in two weeks, following Cyclone Ana. The cyclone destroyed vital crops, worsening food shortages and complicating relief efforts.
Cyclone Batsirai has devastated Madagascar, leading to a death toll of 92 as reported by the state disaster relief agency. The cyclone significantly impacted the southeastern coast of the island late Saturday and continued to wreak havoc until Sunday, resulting in approximately 91,000 individuals being left with damaged or destroyed homes. The aftermath has highlighted the urgent need for relief in the region.
Initially, the reported death toll rose dramatically from 29 to 80, with 60 fatalities occurring in the Ikongo district alone. This area has been particularly hard hit, with numerous victims reported to have drowned or been crushed under collapsed homes. Moreover, further assessments are ongoing to gather additional details regarding the impact of the cyclone in Ikongo.
Cyclone Batsirai marks Madagascar’s second major storm in merely two weeks, following Cyclone Ana, which had already inflicted severe damage, resulting in 55 fatalities and displacing around 130,000 residents in northern regions. The island nation, with a population nearing 30 million, faces pre-existing food shortages exacerbated by a prolonged drought and the recent cyclonic activity.
The World Food Programme has indicated that Batsirai has further deteriorated the food situation by destroying essential crops like rice, fruits, and vegetables that were near harvest. Furthermore, the cyclone has caused extensive flooding, rendering 12 roads and 14 bridges impassable and isolating several of the most affected communities, thereby complicating relief efforts to assist those in need.
In summary, Cyclone Batsirai has had a catastrophic impact on Madagascar, leading to significant loss of life and severe destruction of infrastructure. The island faces additional challenges due to food shortages exacerbated by changing climate conditions and the previous storm, Cyclone Ana. Immediate and effective relief efforts are critical to aid the affected populations and stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
