Cyclone Batsirai Causes Widespread Destruction in Madagascar
Cyclone Batsirai has tragically caused at least ten deaths and displaced nearly 48,000 people in Madagascar. The cyclone made landfall with winds of 165 km/h, resulting in significant destruction and chaos. Previously, Tropical Storm Ana had already overwhelmed the region, emphasizing the need for urgent relief efforts.
The devastating impact of Cyclone Batsirai in Madagascar has been severe, resulting in at least ten fatalities and displacing nearly 48,000 residents. The cyclone struck overnight, with its aftermath reported by the country’s disaster management agency. Notably, casualties occurred in Ambalavao due to house collapses, approximately 460 kilometers south of the capital, Antananarivo.
This storm, notable for being the second major cyclone to impact Madagascar in two weeks, made landfall near Mananjary, bringing winds of 165 km/h (103 mph). Its destructive force uprooted trees, demolished buildings, and forced local populations to secure their roofs against the storm. A resident described the devastation, stating, “Mananjary is completely destroyed, no matter where you go everything is destroyed.”
Willy Raharijaona, a technical advisor to the Senate’s vice president, provided insight into the damage, noting that much of Nosy Varika was nearly entirely destroyed. He stated, “It’s as if we had just been bombed. The solid houses saw their roofs torn off by the wind. The wooden huts have for the most part been destroyed.”
Prior warnings from Meteo-France indicated that Cyclone Batsirai posed a significant threat to Madagascar. Following its path through Mauritius, the cyclone also impacted La Reunion, where over 10,000 residents were left without power three days after it hit, alongside injuries to twelve people.
The aftermath of Cyclone Batsirai arrives on the heels of Tropical Storm Ana, which previously affected 131,000 people across Madagascar. This earlier storm resulted in nearly sixty deaths, predominantly in the capital. As for Batsirai, the national meteorological office reported a reduction in wind speed as the cyclone moved across the nation.
In the eastern town of Mahanoro, the cyclone also posed threats to burial sites as erosion affected graves, evident in a 54-year-old widow’s lament. She recounted the loss of her husband, father-in-law, and daughter, 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.” Consequently, her family faces the emotional burden of reinterring their loved ones in temporary graves until they can afford proper burials.
In summary, Cyclone Batsirai has inflicted considerable damage on Madagascar, resulting in fatalities and widespread displacement. The destruction experienced by communities, particularly in regions like Mananjary and Nosy Varika, highlights the pressing impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations. As the nation grapples with recovery, ongoing support and humanitarian efforts are crucial to assist those affected by this and prior storms.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
