Dozens of casualties in Madagascar due to Cyclone "Jazani" as the president issues a plea for aid
Cyclone "Jazani" has caused at least 36 deaths and significant destruction in Madagascar, prompting the president to seek international assistance.
Cyclone "Jazani" struck Madagascar, leading to devastating impacts primarily in the city of Toamasina, where the majority of the casualties occurred. The national disaster management office reported 36 fatalities, 374 injuries, and 6 missing persons, highlighting the storm's severity as wind speeds reached up to 250 km/h. The cyclone resulted in widespread destruction, affecting approximately 257,000 homes, displacing over 8,800 individuals, and damaging thousands of small structures.
In Toamasina, the destruction was described as "massive" by President Michael Randrianirina, who visited the affected areas and local hospitals to assess the damage firsthand. The president's urgent call for international aid underscores the need for immediate support as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the cyclone. The government is mobilizing resources to assist the victims, but the scale of the disaster indicates that external assistance will be crucial for effective recovery.
This latest catastrophe follows closely on the heels of Cyclone "Fitiyβ, which caused 12 deaths two weeks prior, highlighting the vulnerability of Madagascar to such natural disasters. The need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response mechanisms is evident as the country continues to face the devastating impacts of cyclones in rapid succession, complicating recovery efforts and straining resources.