Devastating Impact of Cyclone Batsirai on Madagascar

Cyclone Batsirai has resulted in at least 10 deaths and displaced nearly 48,000 individuals in Madagascar. The storm, with winds reaching 165 km/h, caused widespread damage in towns like Ambalavao and Nosy Varika. Reports of personal tragedies and erosion of cemeteries illustrate the cyclone’s devastating impact on communities already struggling from the previous Tropical Storm Ana.

Cyclone Batsirai has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and displacing nearly 48,000 individuals. This severe storm, marking the second within a fortnight, has left considerable destruction in its wake, particularly in the town of Ambalavao, where residents faced collapsing homes. The cyclone made landfall in Mananjary with winds reaching 165 km/h (103 mph), uprooting trees and damaging structures.

Reports indicate significant devastation in cities like Nosy Varika, where approximately 95 percent of the area is reported destroyed. Willy Raharijaona, a technical adviser to the Senate’s vice president, described the injury and destruction as resembling a bombing. Residents are struggling with the aftermath as many homes saw their roofs torn off, and flimsy, corrugated iron roofs were weighed down to withstand the storm.

Just prior to Batsirai’s landfall, Meteo-France warned of a severe threat to Madagascar, a warning echoed by the national meteorological office which noted the cyclone’s weakening as it moved inland. The historic effects of Cyclone Ana also linger, having affected over 131,000 people and causing substantial fatalities across the region, including in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

As communities grapple with the destruction, personal tragedies unfold. Marie Viviane Rasoanandrasana mourned the loss of her family members as storm erosion compromised graves in Mahanoro. She recounted the distressing scene as the waves washed away part of the cemetery, 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.” Her family now faces the challenge of securing a temporary burial until funds are available for a final resting place.

In summary, Cyclone Batsirai has caused catastrophic damage in Madagascar, resulting in numerous fatalities and displacing tens of thousands. With extensive destruction reported in key areas like Mananjary and Nosy Varika, local authorities and residents are now coping with the aftermath of severe flooding and property loss. The toll is made more poignant by personal stories of loss and continued struggles following prior storms. The nation faces significant challenges ahead as it seeks to rebuild and provide relief to those impacted.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com