Cyclone Batsirai Leaves Trail of Destruction in Madagascar

Cyclone Batsirai has devastated Madagascar, killing at least 10 people and displacing nearly 48,000. It made landfall in Mananjary with winds of 165 km/h. This storm follows Tropical Storm Ana, which previously caused widespread damage. Reports highlight severe destruction in many cities, affecting daily life and leaving families to mourn losses.

Cyclone Batsirai has caused significant devastation in Madagascar, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and displacing nearly 48,000 individuals. The cyclone struck overnight, prompting reports from the country’s office of disaster and risk management regarding the tragic casualties, particularly in Ambalavao where homes collapsed due to the storm’s ferocity.

This hurricane marks the second major storm to hit Madagascar in just two weeks, following Tropical Storm Ana. Weakened yet still powerful, Cyclone Batsirai made landfall in Mananjary, with winds reaching speeds of 165 km/h (103 mph). Reports describe widespread destruction, with surroundings inundated and buildings devastated.

Faby, a local resident, conveyed the extensive damage, stating, “Mananjary is completely destroyed, no matter where you go everything is destroyed.” Willy Raharijaona, a senior adviser, noted that certain regions in southeastern Madagascar remain inaccessible due to flooding, contributing to the scale of the emergency.

Previously, Batsirai was predicted to pose a “very serious threat” to Madagascar, having wreaked havoc on Mauritius and the French island of La Reunion shortly before. On La Reunion, approximately 10,000 individuals remain without power, illustrating the cyclone’s extensive impact across multiple regions.

In late January, Tropical Storm Ana affected around 131,000 people in Madagascar, claiming nearly 60 lives, primarily those in the capital. This storm, along with its predecessors, underscores the vulnerability of Madagascar to severe weather events due to its geographical location.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, individuals like Marie Viviane Rasoanandrasana face heartbreaking losses. She mournfully watched as waves eroded a cemetery, exposing the graves of her loved ones, a poignant reminder of the cyclone’s devastating reach. Rasoanandrasana expressed, “Daily life is already very hard,” revealing the struggles ahead for her family as they seek means for proper memorial service for their deceased.

In conclusion, Cyclone Batsirai has left a remarkable trail of destruction across Madagascar, resulting in fatalities and vast human displacement. The disaster response and recovery will be crucial as communities begin to rebuild from two consecutive severe storms. The personal accounts of affected residents underscore not only the physical devastation but also the emotional toll on families facing immeasurable loss. Future preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural disasters will be imperative for Madagascar.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com