Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has impacted over 7,000 people in Madagascar, damaging numerous homes and disrupting education for 8,000 children. Displacement sites have been vacated, while humanitarian assistance is ongoing. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains to the southwest coast, with the government coordinating a response to aid affected communities.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has affected over 7,000 individuals in Madagascar, damaging more than 1,000 houses and destroying 203 others. As of January 15, 2025, displacement sites in the north have been vacated, with residents returning home. Schools resumed operations on January 13, although around 8,000 children’s education has been disrupted due to damage to nearly 250 classrooms.
The southwest coast, particularly the Toliara Province, expects heavy rains and strong winds as the cyclone intensifies. Humanitarian partners are actively providing assistance, while monitoring the cyclone’s trajectory along the southwestern coast.
The latest reports indicate that the cyclone’s impact has escalated, with recent assessments showing 7,028 affected in regions like Diana and Sava. Although most displacement sites have cleared, some 1,185 houses experienced flooding, and a tragic three casualties have been recorded. While Dikeledi has intensified into a Tropical Cyclone, it is forecasted to move south-southeast off the coast, subsequently weakening.
The Madagascar government has undertaken humanitarian assistance efforts in the north, utilizing provisions gathered during prior cyclone responses. Food aid has supported over 300 families, while additional resources for water, sanitation, and hygiene have reached affected areas. Education sectors have resumed school in some northern areas, with aid provisions for temporary schools being anticipated. The Health Ministry has also offered free medical services amidst ongoing disease surveillance. Meanwhile, due to cyclone warnings, the port of Toliara has temporarily closed from January 15 to 17.
Madagascar is prone to severe weather events such as tropical cyclones, which can result in significant human and infrastructural losses. The country has faced numerous storms in recent years, often leading to displacement, disruption of education, and strain on health services. Humanitarian organizations work closely with the government to provide disaster response and recovery, ensuring vulnerable populations receive necessary support during crises. Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is the latest instance of such a weather event, prompting urgent responses from both state and non-state actors.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has significantly impacted Madagascar, affecting thousands and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. Recovery efforts are underway, focusing on providing food, healthcare, and educational resources to those affected. As the cyclone moves away, ongoing assessments and aid will be crucial in rebuilding the lives of many who have suffered losses. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain essential as Madagascar faces the challenges posed by seasonal cyclones.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
