Madagascar’s Cyclone Batsirai Leaves 92 Dead and Thousands Displaced

Cyclone Batsirai has resulted in 92 deaths in Madagascar and left 91,000 individuals without homes. It is the second cyclone to hit the nation in two weeks, following Cyclone Ana, which caused 55 fatalities. The storm has exacerbated existing food shortages due to agricultural destruction, complicating relief efforts amidst significant infrastructural damage.

The death toll from Cyclone Batsirai in Madagascar has regrettably risen to 92, according to the state disaster relief agency. This devastating cyclone struck the southeastern coast late on Saturday, resulting in substantial destruction, including 91,000 homes that were either damaged or completely destroyed.

As of Wednesday, the reported fatalities increased from 29 to 80, with reports indicating that 60 of those deaths occurred in the Ikongo district. Local representatives highlighted the tragedy, stating that many victims drowned or suffered fatal injuries as their homes collapsed around them.

This cyclone marks Madagascar’s second destructive storm within two weeks, following Cyclone Ana, which resulted in 55 deaths and displaced approximately 130,000 individuals in northern regions. Furthermore, with a population nearing 30 million, Madagascar is grappling with significant food shortages exacerbated by a severe drought in the south.

The World Food Programme noted that Cyclone Batsirai has further intensified the food crisis by destroying vital crops, including rice, fruits, and vegetables, only weeks from harvest. Additionally, the cyclone produced extensive flooding, rendering 12 roads and 14 bridges impassable, thereby isolating some of the most severely affected areas and complicating relief efforts.

Cyclone Batsirai has delivered a catastrophic blow to Madagascar, resulting in nearly 100 fatalities and extensive property damage. As the country faces the aftermath of this storm and addresses the rising food crisis, it is crucial to ensure prompt and effective relief efforts to support the impacted communities. The recent flooding and infrastructural damage further complicate these efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies in the face of frequent climate-related events.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com