Cyclone Batsirai: Madagascar hit by second major storm in two weeks

Cyclone Batsirai: Madagascar hit by second major storm in two weeks

• Strong wind and rain have hit the east coast of Madagascar as Cyclone Batsirai made landfall, the second major storm in less than two weeks. Gusts hit speeds of 235km/hour and high waves battered coastal areas. Many people have been moved to shelters and local officials fear that landslides and flooding could leave tens of thousands more homeless.
• Storm Ana caused widespread destruction when it hit the Indian Ocean island nation last month, killing 55 people.
• Experts fear that Cyclone Batsirai could prove to be even more destructive than Storm Ana, which also hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe and officials have called on the international community to offer assistance. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has prepared food stocks to distribute to those in need, while some people have already been evacuated. The UN has put rescue aircraft on standby.

Published date : 07 Feb 2022 04:56PM