Madagascar: Belna kills two and displaces 2300 people in western regions December 12 /update 2

Event

As of Thursday, December 12, Tropical Cyclone Belna has killed two people and left 2300 others displaced in the western coastal regions of Madagascar after it made landfall in Soalala on Monday, December 9, before moving further south. Infrastructural damages have been reported in the area, with power outages and drinking water shortages being reported. The Melaky and Menabe regions remain at risk of flooding as of Thursday.

Transportation and commercial disruptions are likely over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous -15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult. It is also advised that one should never drive through flooded streets; as floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.