Tropical Cyclone “Batsiari” death toll rises to 111, Madagascar
The number of casualties caused by the passage of Intense Tropical Cyclone "Batsiari" over Madagascar rose to 111 on Friday, February 11, 2022. Batsirai made landfall just north of the city of Mananjary, Vatovavy region on February 5, with wind speeds of 165 km/h (102 mph) and gusts up to 230 km/h (143 mph). This is the second named storm of the 2021/22 Southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season and the second to move over the country within just 2 weeks.
Of 111 casualties, 87 died in Ikongo district on the east coast of the country.1
More than 62 000 individuals have been displaced in more than 100 shelters, and more than 116 000 affected by the disaster, according to the Office of Risks and Disasters (BNGRC).
Severe damage has been reported to infrastructure and buildings, including schools and health centers.
The cyclone destroyed about 3 000 dwellings and government buildings and flooded 5 700 others in Mananjary and nearby towns, officials said.
Tropical Cyclone "Batsirai" making landfall over Madagascar on February 5, 2022. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat-11, RAMMB/CIRA, TW
More than 17 000 houses, 2 000 classrooms and 59 health centers have been destroyed, damaged or flooded across the country. Current analysis mentions 8 200 homes destroyed and 2 700 damaged.
Batsirai struck the island less than two weeks after prolonged heavy rains brought by Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and Tropical Storm "Ana" left 55 people dead.
Ana was still a tropical depression when it moved over Madagascar on January 22, further exacerbating severe floods caused by ITCZ since January 17. In the capital Antananarivo, this severe rainfall event dumped several months' worth of rain. January is the wettest month in the capital, with a monthly average of 340 mm (13.39 inches).2
Ana made landfall over Mozambique on January 24, and continued moving west over Malawi while weakening and dissipating, but still dumping very heavy rain. It's blamed for the deaths of at least 70 people in Mozambique, Malawi and Madagascar. At one point, entire Malawi was without power.3
Satellite photos show towns on #Madagascar's west coast before and after the impact of #CycloneBatsirai, which has killed at least 20 people over the weekend.
Credit: @Maxar pic.twitter.com/1eqqOcy8jj
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) February 8, 2022
References:
1 Madagascar death toll from Tropical Cyclone Batsirai rises to 92 – The East African
2 Tropical Cyclone "Ana" leaves at least 70 people dead, Batsirai forms east of Madagascar – The Watchers
3 Most of Malawi without power after floods caused by Tropical Cyclone "Ana" – The Watchers
Featured image credit: Sujet JT LCI (stillshot)
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.