Cyclone Batsirai Strikes Madagascar, Causing Fears of Widespread Damage
Cyclone Batsirai strikes Madagascar, bringing winds over 200 km/h and fears of widespread damage. The storm, landing in Mananjary, is predicted to affect over 590,000 people, following a previous storm disaster. The UN is preparing aid and support as residents brace for impact.
Cyclone Batsirai is currently making its way towards Madagascar, bringing with it winds exceeding 200 km/h (about 124 mph) and heavy rainfall, leading to significant concerns about widespread damage. This marks the second major storm to strike the island nation in just a few weeks, following the devastating Tropical Storm Ana that affected many in late January. Batsirai made landfall on Saturday evening in the Mananjary district, located approximately 530 km (310 miles) southeast of the capital, Antananarivo.
Meteorologist Lovandrainy Ratovoharisoa confirmed that the cyclone hit Mananjary at about 8 PM local time, although details were scarce on the immediate damage at that moment. Residents had braced themselves, with forecasts predicting extremely high winds and dangerous conditions as the cyclone approached. As Batsirai continues on its trajectory, it is expected to cross the island’s center overnight into Sunday, ultimately exiting Madagascar’s western coastline by Monday.
According to Meteo-France, wind speeds could peak at levels exceeding 200 or even reach up to 250 km/h (around 155 mph) at impact, with waves potentially hitting heights of 15 meters (50 feet). The United Nations is reportedly mobilizing its resources, getting aid agencies ready, and placing rescue planes on standby to respond effectively as conditions evolve.
Spokesman Jens Laerke from the UN’s humanitarian organization OCHA emphasized the likely significant impact of Batsirai on Madagascar, highlighting the urgency of preparedness. Previously, Tropical Storm Ana had already affected at least 131,000 individuals across Madagascar, resulting in 58 fatalities, and also left a trail of destruction in neighboring Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that around 595,000 people could face direct danger due to Batsirai, with an additional 150,000 potentially displaced by anticipated landslides and flooding. “We are very nervous,” stated Pasqualina Di Sirio, WFP’s Madagascar head, during a video call from the island.
In response to the cyclone, search and rescue teams have been activated, and residents have taken steps to secure their homes. Among them is Tsarafidy Ben Ali, a 23-year-old coal vendor, who shared his efforts reinforcing his roof amid the looming storm. “The gusts of wind are going to be very strong. That’s why we’re reinforcing the roofs,” he conveyed to AFP, emphasizing the fears surrounding the fierce weather.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has warned that the cyclone poses various risks to at least 4.4 million individuals across the region. The coming days will be pivotal in determining the extent of Batsirai’s impact on Madagascar and its inhabitants.
Cyclone Batsirai is bearing down on Madagascar, threatening to cause significant damage and potential loss of life. With winds predicted to reach over 250 km/h, the situation is dire as the island prepares for the storm. The United Nations has mobilized support as fears grow of another humanitarian crisis in the wake of previous storms. The situation remains fluid as residents prepare for challenging days ahead, highlighting the resilience of the community.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
