Death toll rises to more than 90 as Cyclone Batsirai passes through Madagascar

ANTANANARIVO, 9 (DPA/EP)

At least 92 people have died due to the passage of cyclone ‘Batsirai’ through Madagascar, according to a new balance of victims of a storm that especially affected the Ikongo district, located in the southeast of the island.

The cyclone brought with it heavy rains over the weekend that caused flooding and landslides. As a result, thousands of homes have been destroyed or submerged under water, while many roads remain closed.

The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that some 600,000 people have been affected by ‘Batsirai’, which has also caused some 150,000 displaced people. Already before this cyclone, 1.6 million people had difficulty obtaining food in Madagascar, according to Action Against Hunger.

For their part, the French authorities have deployed several dozen rescuers in Malagasy territory and have already approved funding to deliver 75 tons of relief supplies, destined to benefit more than 3,000 families.

Along the same lines, the German Federal Agency for Technical Assistance is also in Madagascar to provide assistance on the ground, such as with the construction of temporary shelters for the affected population.

The Indian cyclone season lasts until March or April and has already caused strong winds and torrential rains in African countries. Cyclone ‘Ana’, for example, has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia.