Madagascar: Tropical Cyclone Eliakim kills 17 as of March 19 /update 2

Event

Madagascar's national disaster risk management authority, the Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes (BNGRC), said that as of late Sunday, March 18, Tropical Cyclone Eliakim has killed 17 people, displaced 6000, and affected at least 15,000. According to the latest information, over 630 houses were flooded and 260 more were destroyed as a result of the storm, with the cities of Maroantsetra, Andilamena, and Mandritsara the worst affected. BNGRC warns that landslides and floods are still possible in the Sofia, Analanjirofo, Alaotra-Mangoro, and Vatovavy-Fitovinany regions.

Meteo Madagascar - the Malagasy meteorological department – issued a blue alert (immediate danger has passed, individuals should stay vigilant) for Fianarantsoa province on Monday, March 19.

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.