Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Threatens Northern Madagascar: Urgent Action Needed
More than 22,500 children in northern Madagascar are at risk as Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, prompting urgent evacuations and heightened concerns over flooding and displacement. Save the Children highlights the increasing severity of climate-related disasters and calls for additional support from higher-income countries to aid in disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Families in northern Madagascar are preparing for the severe impacts of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which is expected to make landfall imminently. The cyclone poses a significant threat with forecasts of powerful winds, violent storms, and substantial flooding, leading to extensive evacuations. Following persistent heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, the situation is expected to worsen, as meteorological reports indicate continued storms across the region starting January 11.
This marks the second tropical cyclone to affect southern Africa within this season. In mid-December, Madagascar narrowly escaped the worst impacts of Tropical Storm Chido, which claimed the lives of at least 39 individuals and resulted in numerous injuries in the nearby French territory of Mayotte. However, Cyclone Dikeledi threatens to bring more severe consequences, underscoring the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events due to climate change, according to Save the Children.
Tatiana Dasy, Save the Children’s Country Representative for Madagascar, expressed grave concern for the over 22,500 children residing in areas likely to be impacted by the cyclone, stating, “We are extremely concerned that more than 22,500 children living in areas expected to be hit by the cyclone are at risk of being displaced, losing their homes, school and possibly being injured or killed by falling objects or floods.”
Save the Children has been proactively working to mitigate the impacts of the cyclone by pre-positioning essential supplies in the region and enhancing community preparedness, especially within schools. With the forecast predicting heavy rainfall reaching up to four inches in the coming days, risks of flooding in low-lying areas remain a significant concern. The organization is urging increased climate funding from wealthier nations to support lower-income countries like Madagascar, which are disproportionately affected by climate disruptions.
Having operated in Madagascar since 2016, Save the Children has provided varied humanitarian assistance in response to crises, demonstrating a commitment to child protection and support. The organization has reported that its programs reached over 12,700 children in 2024, which further illustrates its ongoing efforts to safeguard children’s futures in times of crisis.
The imminent threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is particularly concerning for the northern region of Madagascar, where families, especially children, are at significant risk of displacement and other dangerous impacts. The cyclone follows a pattern of increasing extreme weather phenomena attributed to climate change, which is a pressing issue for lower-income countries. Previous storms in the region have revealed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, particularly affecting essential services such as schools and hospitals. The collaboration of aid organizations like Save the Children is vital in ensuring disaster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the adverse effects of such weather events.
The impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi in northern Madagascar poses a grave threat to families and especially children, with predictions of severe flooding and displacement. Save the Children is taking proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations while emphasizing the urgent need for greater financial support from wealthier countries to assist those impacted by climate change. With a robust history of humanitarian aid, the organization remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of children during this crisis.
Original Source: www.savethechildren.org
