Impact of Tropical Cyclone Honde on Madagascar: Initial Reports and Response Efforts

Tropical Cyclone Honde has caused three fatalities and displaced approximately 21,600 individuals in Madagascar, particularly in Toliara, Belo sur Tsiribihina, and Ampanihy. Extensive infrastructural damage has been reported. The government, alongside humanitarian partners, is mobilizing resources to respond effectively. Honde is expected to weaken further as it moves away from inhabited areas.

Tropical Cyclone Honde has impacted Madagascar’s southwestern coast, with significant wind and rain effects reported in two regions. Initial assessments reveal three fatalities, one individual missing, and 69 injuries. Approximately 21,600 individuals have been displaced, primarily in Toliara, Belo sur Tsiribihina, and Ampanihy. The cyclone has led to extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes and educational facilities.

The situation remains critical as many displaced individuals are currently residing in 54 accommodation sites across various districts. The tropical storm caused the flooding of over 7,200 houses, with 913 reported damaged and 1,924 completely destroyed. The local government is leading the emergency response, coordinating with partners to mobilize resources from both the south and the capital to support those affected.

As Tropical Storm Honde continues its trajectory southeast away from Madagascar, reports from Météo France indicate it no longer poses a threat to inhabited areas. However, it is expected to weaken gradually starting on March 6. Previously, the storm gained strength in the southern Mozambique Channel and approached Madagascar by February 28, coinciding with prolonged rainfall that had already caused earlier displacements.

The humanitarian response is ongoing, with search and rescue operations underway. Assistance efforts include providing food, non-food items, water, sanitation, hygiene kits, and medical supplies to the displaced population. Notably, a government helicopter was deployed on March 2 to rescue individuals trapped in Androka Commune. Food security partners distributed sufficient food supplies to cover five days for affected families in Ampanihy, while over 30 metric tons of rice and oil were delivered.

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has facilitated coordination meetings to enhance the response to the situation. Resource mapping has helped identify available supplies in key south-western cities, enabling the strategic allocation of additional resources to address urgent needs. Given the strain on humanitarian supplies following recent calamities, partners are advocating for the replenishment of stocks as the cyclone season continues until April.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Honde has severely affected Madagascar, leading to significant casualties and displacement. The government and humanitarian partners are actively responding to the crisis, providing essential aid to thousands of displaced individuals. Ongoing coordination among agencies is crucial to ensuring an effective response, especially as the need for humanitarian resources grows amidst continuous threats associated with the cyclone season.

Original Source: reliefweb.int