Madagascar, 10 Dead and 50,000 Displaced Due to Cyclone Damage

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A cyclone struck the island nation of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Africa, resulting in more than 10 deaths and approximately 50,000 displaced people, according to BBC and other media reports on the 6th (local time).

According to reports, around 8 p.m. the previous day, Cyclone Batsirai made landfall near Mananjary, a southeastern city about 530 km from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, causing the casualties. The cyclone hit the coastal area with gusts reaching 235 km/h, generating high storm surges as it swept across Madagascar.

Due to the cyclone, Mananjary, the affected area, experienced power outages for two days and water supply to the capital was also cut off. Foreign media reported significant physical damage, including roofs of houses in nearby villages being blown away by strong winds, trees and utility poles falling on the streets, and parts of the city being flooded.

The cyclone is gradually moving westward and is expected to reach the Mozambique Channel by the afternoon of the 7th, after which it is forecasted to move southward.

Madagascar had already suffered heavy damage from a large tropical storm just two weeks ago. At the end of last month, Tropical Storm Ana caused 55 deaths and displaced tens of thousands of people.

The Madagascar Meteorological Authority warned that "Cyclone Batsirai will cause serious and widespread damage." The BBC reported that experts are concerned it could be more destructive than the previous Tropical Storm Ana, and the Madagascar government has requested international assistance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.