Mananjary, 9 February 2022 (TDI): Tropical Cyclone Batsirai has left destruction in its wake, in Madagascar. Consequently, at least 21 people are dead and more than 62,000 have been displaced.
The latest stats have been shared by the national disaster management agency (BNGRC). Batsirai is the second major storm in two weeks. It made landfall on the east coast of Madagascar on 5 February, with gusts of 146mph and high waves crashing against the coastal areas.
In Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone #Batsirai has left wind damage to houses, schools and health facilities in and around Mananjary city, as well as flooding of rice fields and homes in surrounding districts.
More info: https://t.co/ILLUznUpPl pic.twitter.com/lV7IPTVDA0
— OCHA Southern & Eastern Africa (@UNOCHA_ROSEA) February 8, 2022
Albeit weakened, the Cyclone has reportedly destroyed whole villages. Preliminary findings from the foremost aerial inspection conducted by a UNHAS flight show wind damage to health facilities, houses, and schools in and around Mananjary city.
Moreover, flooding of rice fields and homes in the surrounding districts has also been noticed. Repair work in the country has begun. Assistance is also being provided to the affectees by the Government and humanitarian partners.
Together w/ Ministry of Pop & other actors, we’re providing psychosocial support to #GBVsurvivors affected by the impact of #BatsiraiCyclone in #Toamasina
“I just gave birth 3 weeks ago. My partner left me, I’m afraid to stay home alone w/ my children”
📷Geneviève, GBV survivor pic.twitter.com/0cyKh0diaA— UNFPA Madagascar, Maurice, Seychelles (@UNFPAMadagascar) February 7, 2022
UNFPA Madagascar is proactively helping the affectees of the Cyclone, especially the women. It aims to ensure that adequate help is provided to the victims of gender-based violence in the areas impacted by Cyclone Batsirai.
The hardest-hit regions have the highest ratio of displacement. These include Fitovinany where 31,988 people have been reported as displaced and Atsinanana where 15,482 people have been displaced. Fitovinany is home to the districts of Mananjary, Ikongo, and Manakara.
These figures will most likely change as more information pours in, especially from those areas that have not yet been reported about the destruction and damage caused by Batsirai.
