Deadly floods and landslides hit Antananarivo, Madagascar
At least 10 people have lost their lives after heavy rains affecting Madagascar since January 17, 2022, caused deadly floods and landslides in Analamanga Region, including the capital Antananarivo (population 1.2 million). Twenty municipalities around the capital have been placed on red alert. More heavy rains are expected to hit the island in the coming days, especially on January 20.
National Bureau of Disaster Risk Management (BNGRC) said more than 100 mm (3.93 inches) of rain fell during the night from Monday to Tuesday, January 17 to 18, 2022, warning that the worst is yet to come in the next 24 hours.1
The Bureau reported collapsed homes, bridges, and damaged infrastructure and farmlands in the capital Antananarivo and surrounding areas.
At least 10 people have lost their lives, 3 in Ambohimangakely, 2 each in Nanisana and Manjakaraya, and one each in Alasora, Ambodempona and Ambohidora.2
Most of the victims were trapped in landslides or collapsed houses, especially in the deprived neighborhoods of the suburbs of Antananarivo.
Around 500 people have been displaced.
At least 10 people have died in flash floods triggered by torrential rain that battered Madagascar's capital Antananarivo overnight
"The floods caused landslides and houses collapsed," Sonia Ray, spokeswoman for the ministry's disaster management office pic.twitter.com/LxESLkI3HO
— Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) January 18, 2022
"Floods are common in Madagascar, especially in the rainy season between October and April. But yesterday they were exceptionally heavy," Lovandrainy Ratovoharisoa, a forecaster at the General Directorate of Meteorology told AFP.1
More heavy rains are expected to hit Madagascar in the coming days, especially on Thursday, January 20, with an even higher peak than on Tuesday.
References:
1 10 killed by floods in Madagascar – africanews.
2 Madagascar – 10 Killed After Heavy Rains Trigger Floods and Landslides in Antananarivo – FloodList
Featured image credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat-8, RAMMB/CIRA, TW. Acquired at 12:00 UTC on January 17, 2022
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