A tropical cyclone hit the southeast coast of Madagascar on Saturday with wind speeds peaking at 235 kilometers per hour. Destroying many structures and displacing over 100 000 people. Furthermore, cyclone Batsirai’s death count, which has steadily climbed over the course of this week, has now reached 92 people. With most victims drowned or crushed when their houses collapsed.
As seen in the time-lapse done by @NOAASatellites from 1-6 February, the eye of the storm made landfall over the area around the town of Mananjary. Before dropping in strength by almost half and leaving the Indian Ocean Island late on Sunday the 6th of February.
To make matters worse, the World Food Programme says Cyclone Batsirai has not only resulted in many deaths but has also presented a serious problem for the months to come. As it destroyed many crops of rice, fruits and vegetables that were only two weeks away from harvest. Luckily, in advance of the cyclone, WFP had pre-positioned 50 metric tons of food stocks. Stationed between the two main cities on the east/south-east coast. However, more help will be needed as this will only, be able to assist 10,000 people for ten days. Pasqualina Di Sirio, WFP Country Director in Madagascar says, “The floods and bad weather have not only devastated homes and damaged property, but above all, they have destroyed the livelihoods and sources of income of the affected families”.
Ikongo district deputy Jean-Brunelle Razafintsiandraofa puts it plainly, “The inhabitants need help”.