Death Toll from Cyclone Batsirai in Madagascar Approaches 100

Cyclone Batsirai has resulted in 92 deaths in Madagascar, impacting 91,000 people with home damages. This represents the second severe storm in two weeks, following Cyclone Ana. The cyclone caused significant flooding, destroyed crops, and created challenges for relief efforts due to impassable roads and bridges.

The death toll from Cyclone Batsirai in Madagascar has tragically reached 92, according to the state disaster relief agency. This devastating cyclone was the second severe storm in just two weeks, following Cyclone Ana, and it wreaked havoc on the island nation. An estimated 91,000 individuals have suffered from destroyed or damaged homes, highlighting the widespread impact of this disaster.

Cyclone Batsirai made landfall late Saturday, severely affecting the southeastern coast of Madagascar. It prompted significant destruction, bringing down houses and electricity lines, and it persisted until late Sunday. The disaster relief agency had previously reported that the toll rose dramatically from 29 to 80, with 60 fatalities occurring in the Ikongo district alone, where many casualties were attributed to drowning or collapsing homes.

In addition to the human cost, the cyclone exacerbated existing food shortages in Madagascar, particularly in the southern regions, which were already facing challenges from a prolonged drought. As noted by the World Food Programme, the cyclone destroyed vital crops, including rice, fruits, and vegetables, that were nearing harvest.

Moreover, Cyclone Batsirai caused extensive flooding, rendering 12 roads and 14 bridges impassable. This has further isolated the hardest-hit areas, complicating relief efforts to deliver aid to those in need. The overall situation in Madagascar remains critical, as the nation contends with both immediate and long-term impacts of this natural disaster.

In conclusion, Cyclone Batsirai has had a devastating effect on Madagascar, with a death toll nearing 100 and significant destruction across impacted regions. As the nation grapples with food shortages exacerbated by this disaster, ongoing relief efforts face challenges due to infrastructural damage. The situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by this catastrophic event.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com