Cyclone Batsirai Causes Tragedy in Madagascar: Deaths and Displacement

Cyclone Batsirai has resulted in at least ten deaths and displaced nearly 48,000 people in Madagascar. It is the second major storm within two weeks, causing extensive damage, particularly in Mananjary. The storm brought winds of 165 km/h, uprooting trees and destroying homes, leaving many areas flooded and isolated. The local communities are struggling to cope with the aftermath of this devastating cyclone.

Cyclone Batsirai has recently devastated Madagascar, resulting in at least ten fatalities and displacing nearly 48,000 residents. This cyclone struck overnight, according to the country’s disaster management office, with many of the casualties occurring when homes collapsed in Ambalavao, located approximately 460 kilometers south of the capital, Antananarivo. This disaster marks the second significant storm to hit Madagascar in just two weeks.

The cyclone made landfall in Mananjary, featuring winds reaching 165 kilometers per hour (103 mph). The resulting destruction included uprooted trees and demolished buildings, prompting residents to stabilize flimsy roofs against the intense winds. One local, named Faby, expressed despair, stating, “Mananjary is completely destroyed, no matter where you go everything is destroyed.”

According to Willy Raharijaona, a technical advisor to the vice president of Madagascar’s Senate, substantial flooding has isolated various regions in the southeast. He described the situation, saying, “It’s as if we had just been bombed. The city of Nosy Varika is almost 95 percent destroyed.” Many robust structures lost their roofs, while wooden huts mostly suffered complete destruction.

Meteo-France had warned of Cyclone Batsirai’s potential to significantly threaten Madagascar, especially after its impacts were already felt in Mauritius and La Reunion, where over 10,000 people were left without electricity. Additionally, Cyclone Ana earlier affected more than 131,000 people across Madagascar, resulting in nearly 60 fatalities and extensive damage in other southern African nations.

As Batsirai weakened while traversing the country, the average wind speed lessened. In Mahanoro, a graveyard saw the erosion of graves due to rising sea levels. Marie Viviane Rasoanandrasana, a widow, lamented the loss of several family members’ resting places, stating, “A few days ago the sea was far away, but this morning I was told the waves had washed away part of the cemetery.” She emphasized the already challenging life she faces, highlighting the need for temporary burials until they can afford proper arrangements.

In summary, Cyclone Batsirai has inflicted severe damage on Madagascar, with a tragic toll of at least ten confirmed deaths and tens of thousands displaced. This destructive storm follows closely on the heels of Cyclone Ana, which had similarly harmed the region. The extensive flooding and structural devastation, particularly in towns like Mananjary and Nosy Varika, highlight the ongoing vulnerability of the nation to natural disasters. Citizens are now faced with not only loss and destruction but also the challenge of rebuilding their lives.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com