Madagascar: Tropical Cyclone Eliakim death toll rises to 20 /update 3

Event

Madagascar's national disaster risk management authority, the Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes (BNGRC), said that as of late Monday, March 19, Tropical Cyclone Eliakim had resulted in the deaths of 20 people, displaced 9000 more, and affected at least 19,000 in total. BNGRC has not provided any further information on damages as of March 20; however, according to the latest available information released on Sunday, March 18, over 630 houses had been flooded and 260 more destroyed as a result of the storm, with the cities of Maroantsetra, Andilamena, and Mandritsara the worst affected.

Context

After making landfall on Friday, March 16, on Masaola Peninsula (northeast), Tropical Cyclone Eliakim tracked south along the eastern seaboard of Madagascar, bringing with it heavy winds and rains. The storm exited Madagascar through the Vatomandry District on Sunday morning, but heavy rainfall continued.

The cyclone season in Madagascar typically runs from November to April, with coastal areas of the country most severely affected.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas of Madagascar are advised to monitor local weather reports and weather alerts issued by Meteo Madagascar, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.