Cyclone Batsirai Devastates Madagascar: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

Cyclone Batsirai has caused significant devastation in Madagascar, killing at least 10 and displacing nearly 48,000 individuals. It follows on the heels of Tropical Storm Ana, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region. With winds of up to 165 km/h, the cyclone destroyed homes and uprooted trees, prompting urgent calls for relief efforts.

Cyclone Batsirai has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, leading to the tragic loss of at least 10 lives and displacing nearly 48,000 individuals. The cyclone struck the island nation overnight, as reported by the country’s office of disaster and risk management. The fatalities primarily occurred when homes collapsed in the town of Ambalavao, situated approximately 460 kilometers south of the capital, Antananarivo.

This catastrophic event marks the second severe storm in recent weeks, following the impacts of Tropical Storm Ana. Batsirai made landfall in Mananjary, causing winds to reach speeds of 165 km/h (103 mph), uprooting trees, devastating buildings, and compelling residents to reinforce their structures with makeshift materials.

Residents have described the extent of destruction, with one individual, Faby, stating, “Mananjary is completely destroyed, no matter where you go everything is destroyed.” Willy Raharijaona, a technical adviser to Madagascar’s Senate vice president, stated that parts of the southeast region were isolated due to severe flooding.

He lamented, “It’s as if we had just been bombed. The city of Nosy Varika is almost 95 percent destroyed.” Prior predictions from Meteo-France had warned of the cyclone presenting a “very serious threat” after affecting nearby Mauritius and La Reunion, where over 10,000 people lost power three days post-cyclone.

Previously, in late January, Tropical Storm Ana had left at least 131,000 people affected, with nearly 60 fatalities, emphasizing the ongoing calamities the region faces. Meteo Madagascar noted that while Batsirai weakened as it traversed Madagascar, its impact was still severely felt.

In Mahanoro’s cemetery, Marie Viviane Rasoanandrasana mourned her family’s loss as rising sea levels eroded gravesites. Raised to recount the incident, Rasoanandrasana noted, “A few days ago the sea was far away, but this morning I was told the waves had washed away part of the cemetery,” highlighting the profound grief and loss following the cyclone’s destruction.

Cyclone Batsirai has had a devastating impact on Madagascar, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The destruction underscores the increasing vulnerability of the island nation to severe weather events. As residents mourn their losses and deal with the aftermath, it is crucial for international and local efforts to provide relief and support for those affected by this and previous storms.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com