Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, has been struck by another natural disaster, with at least 20 people killed and 33 others seriously injured, after Tropical Cyclone Jizani swept across the island's mainland. The cyclone struck with tremendous force, bringing winds exceeding 195 kilometers per hour, causing widespread disruption and extensive damage to infrastructure and homes.
Details of the disaster and government efforts
Local authorities stated in an official statement today that the cyclone not only brought destructive winds but also torrential rains that caused water levels to rise in several areas. Emergency teams confirmed that search and rescue operations are continuing at full speed to reach isolated areas, amid strong warnings of the potential for flash floods and landslides due to the continued rainfall and high winds expected to accompany the low-pressure system in the coming hours.
A series of disasters: from "Vitia" to "Gizani"
Cyclone Gizani has arrived, compounding the suffering of Madagascar's residents who are still reeling from the effects of a previous disaster. At the beginning of February, the island was struck by Tropical Cyclone Phetia, which battered the west coast. That cyclone caused significant loss of life and property, resulting in at least seven deaths and forcing more than 20,000 people to flee their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters. The succession of these tropical storms in such a short period is placing immense pressure on government resources and the country's capacity to respond to emergencies.
Geographical and climatic context
Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, is one of the most tropical cyclone-prone countries in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The cyclone season typically runs from November to April, and the country frequently experiences devastating storms that cause significant economic losses, particularly in the agricultural sector, on which a large portion of the population depends. Climate experts believe that global climate change is contributing to the increased intensity and frequency of these extreme weather events, posing growing challenges to the island's vulnerable communities in securing livelihoods and public safety.
Expected impacts and international calls
Cyclone Gizani is expected to have long-lasting consequences for the affected areas, including the destruction of crops, contamination of water sources, and damage to road and electricity networks. International humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent support for Madagascar to address this renewed crisis, as thousands of displaced people urgently need shelter, food, and medical care to prevent outbreaks of disease and epidemics in the aftermath of the floods.
