01 Feb 2019 | 01:24 PM UTC
Madagascar: Heavy rain and flooding across the country /update 2
Red and yellow weather alerts issued for coastal areas January 22 due to heavy rain and wind gust
Event
As of Friday, February 1, heavy rain and flooding continue to affect several areas across the country, including the port city of Mahajanga, the Diana region, and the capital Antananarivo. Road transportations have been severely disrupted, notably on the Route nationale 6 (RN6), the country's main highway. Further heavy rain, along with related disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days. Power cuts are also possible in the affected areas.
Context
Flooding is common in Madagascar, particularly during the rainy season (November to April), and can result in significant transportation disruptions, structural damage, and loss of life.
In Antananarivo, 18 people have been killed since early January 2019 due to heavy rain, and six others were killed in Bokaro (central Madagascar) by a lightning strike on January 26.
Advice
Individuals present in Madagascar are advised to monitor local weather reports and adhere to any 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.
