Madagascar: Cyclone Gamane kills 11 people
The National Office for Disaster Risk Management reported on Thursday that eleven people lost their lives and more than 7,000 others were impacted by Cyclone Gamane, which struck northeastern Madagascar on Wednesday.
According to the director general of the BNRGC, Elack Andriakaja, initially expected to touch the northeast coast of the island, the cyclone deviated from its usual trajectory to make landfall in the Vohémar district. The regions of Sava, Diana and Analanjirofo suffered the heaviest consequences of the storm, with six deaths by drowning and five others caused by collapsing houses or falling trees.
According to Mr. Andriakaja, the cyclone, almost stationary in its trajectory, caused considerable damage in the northern and northeastern regions, leading to damage to infrastructure, cut roads and collapsed bridges, thus isolating populations. In response to this situation, President Andry Rajoelina ordered rapid mobilization for relief and evacuation operations, as well as the distribution of food aid to affected communities.
In 2022, Cyclone Batsirai caused more than 130 deaths and enormous material damage in Madagascar.