Antanarivo, Madagascar—Floods and landslides triggered by the passage of tropical storm Cheneso across Madagascar have killed 30 people, left 20 missing and affected tens of thousands across the Indian Ocean island nation. received.
The storm made landfall in the northeastern part of the island last Thursday, affecting nearly 89,000 people, according to the Madagascar National Risk and Disaster Management Agency.
According to Madagascar’s Meteorological Agency, the storm has now reached across the country and into the Mozambique Channel, blasting gusts of 170 kilometers per hour (105.63 miles per hour) and causing torrential rain.
Colonel Fary Aritiana of the Department of Risk and Disaster said there had been collapsed homes and landslides, trapping people.
“People are generally responding correctly, but some people are not paying enough attention to our warnings not to cross the river during floods because the currents are much stronger than usual,” said Ali. Tiana said.
The storm damaged infrastructure and many roads were cut off by rising water levels, landslides and collapsed bridges.
About 33,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the Boheny region in the northwest of the island. Locals say prices for basic groceries have skyrocketed.
Veronique Mamitiana, a teacher in Mahajanga city, said “vegetable and rice prices rose significantly after the storm,” while tomato prices quadrupled. I say the body,” she said.
100 kilometers (60 miles) further south, Malovoai was one of the hardest-hit areas by the storm, with stagnant flooding still affecting much of the area. Her district leader, Tolotriniaina Rakotonindriana, said water levels were dropping very slowly.
“Many homes are still flooded and most of the victims are still in their accommodation,” Rakotonindriana added. “The roads are covered with water and we have to travel by canoe.”
Local authorities said necessary food items were being distributed to help those in need.
Leticia Bezain