Madagascar: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions through at least March 28

Severe weather is forecast across parts of eastern Madagascar through at least March 28. A low-pressure system with the potential for cyclonic development located off the northeast coast of Madagascar as of March 25 is expected to move generally south-southeastward off the east coast over the coming days. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas are expected in eastern regions as the system passes. Daily rainfall totals of 4-12 cm (1.6-4.7 inches) are likely across the affected area, and the heavy downpours may trigger flooding, rising river levels, and landslides in the region. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of March 25, the Madagascar General Directorate of Meteorology has issued the following warnings:

• Red strong wind and rough sea warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across affected coastal areas.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across the Atsinanana Region and Fenoarivo-Atsinanana and Vavatenina districts in the Analanjirofo Region.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.