Antananarivo, February 17: The death toll from Cyclone Geyzani in Madagascar has climbed to 59, with 804 individuals reported injured. This information was released by the National Risk and Disaster Management Office on Monday.
According to Madagascar’s National Disaster Management Agency, over 420,000 people have been affected across 25 districts in five regions of eastern and central Madagascar. The cyclone has damaged more than 49,000 homes, with over 25,000 completely destroyed.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in the affected areas. Authorities are assessing the damage and providing assistance to the impacted population.
In light of the extensive devastation, the Malagasy government declared a “national disaster” on February 11. The cyclone has caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. Severe flooding and economic losses have exacerbated the situation.
The government’s declaration cited the loss of life and the displacement of communities as primary reasons for the disaster declaration. It also noted that Cyclone Geyzani has worsened conditions following the earlier Cyclone Fitia and ongoing heavy rainfall.
Last Thursday, the United Nations (UN) announced it had allocated $3 million in emergency relief for Madagascar. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this aid from the Central Emergency Response Fund will assist over 90,000 people. Additional funding from other donors has also accelerated relief efforts.
Initial reports indicate that more than 250,000 individuals have been affected, with approximately 7,000 displaced. Over 65,000 homes have been flooded or damaged/destroyed, and around 600 classrooms are partially or completely unusable.
OCHA reported that the government has appealed for international assistance and is leading search and rescue, evacuation, shelter, and food aid operations. With the support of the UN and partner organizations, nearly 800 metric tons of rice are being distributed.
Leave a Comment