Madagascar: Heavy rain in the west due to Tropical Cyclone Belna December 10 /update 1

Event

Tropical Cyclone Belna made landfall in Solofa around 16:00 (local time) on Monday, December 9, bringing heavy rain and winds gusting up to 150 kph (93 mi). As of 10:00 GMT on Tuesday, December 10, Tropical Cyclone Belna is located at approximately 18.3°S 44.8°E and is moving south at a speed of 16 kph (9 mph). A red cyclone alert (second highest on a four-tier scale) has been issued for Melaky and Menabe regions, while Boeny, Maevantanana, and Kandreho have been downgraded to a blue alert (post-cyclone vigilance). A yellow cyclone alert remains in effect in Bongolava. 

The storm is expected to bring heavy rain - up to 200 mm (0.6 ft) - and strong winds to the western part of the island, which may cause flooding or damage to infrastructure. Transportation and commercial disruptions are possible 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.