Madagascar: Recovery efforts ongoing as of Feb. 28 following passage of tropical cyclones /update 4

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in Madagascar as of Feb. 28 following the passage of a series of tropical cyclones in the past few weeks. The country has experienced heavy rainfall since Jan. 17 due to a low-pressure system. Tropical Cyclone Ana subsequently transited over Madagascar Jan. 22, causing widespread flooding. Tropical Cyclone Batsirai then made landfall as an intense tropical cyclone just north of the city of Mananjary, Vatovavy Region, Feb. 5. Tropical Storm Dumako made landfall in Soanierana-Ivongo District, Analanjirofo Region, Feb. 15, and Tropical Cyclone Emnati made landfall in Mangatsiatra Village, Manakara District, Fitovinany Region, early Feb. 23.

The heavy rainfall and flooding that began Jan. 17 and continued through the passage of Ana resulted in at least 58 deaths, mostly in the capital. Over 100,000 people were affected by the severe weather and 10,000 homes were damaged across Analamanga, Mangoro, Atsinanana, Boeny, Diana, Matsiatra Ambony, Sofia, Vakinankaratra, Analanjirofo, and Itasy regions.

The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) has confirmed at least 121 additional deaths from Batsirai, including at least 87 fatalities in Ikongo District, Fitovinany Region. Over 30,000 people remain displaced across 117 evacuation centers. The storm has destroyed 8,364 buildings, damaged 4,654 others, and flooded 7,098 houses. At least six hospitals are destroyed and 87 others were affected.

BNGRC has confirmed 14 fatalities associated with Dumako. Storm and wind damage was reported in Soanierana-Ivongo, Sainte Marie and Fenerive Est in Analanjirofo Region, and in Anosibe An’Ala in Alaotra-Mangoro Region. Flooding was reported in areas of Atsinanana Region, mostly around Toamasina. Over 9,900 people were affected by the storm, with 4,323 displaced. The storm destroyed more than 1,200 homes. A bridge in Toamasina II District was also damaged by floods.

As of Feb. 27, BNGRC had confirmed 14 fatalities across Farafangana, Ihosy, Vangaindrano, Manakara, and Mananjary districts following the passage of Emnati. Over 150,000 people have been affected by Emnati, with nearly 44,000 displaced across 92 evacuation shelters in Amoron'i Mania, Androy, Anosy, Atsimo-Atsinanana, Atsimo-Andrefana, Atsinanana, Fitovinany, Ihorombe, Matsiatra Ambony, Sofia, Vakinankaratra, and Vatovavy regions. Over 6,000 homes have been destroyed, 11,404 damaged, and 5,792 flooded. Sections of at least 17 National Roads and four bridges remain closed. Several other roads are impassable due to flooding, landslides, and debris, especially in Ambovombe, Farafangana, Ihosi, Midongy, Vohipeno, and Vondrozo districts, leaving some communities isolated.

Water and power supply are progressively being restored. Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as responders continue their efforts; utility disruptions are likely over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other basic goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Madagascar General Directorate of Meteorology (French)
Madagascar National Office for Risk and Disaster Management Facebook (BNGRC) (French)