CIRCULAR NO.: JMT/166/22 DATE: 7th February 2022
It is reported that very strong winds and floods hit Madagascar hard, destroying many homes in some areas, and currently there is no access to water or electricity in these areas.
Cyclone Batsirai – the second major storm in two weeks – made landfall on the east coast of Madagascar, with gusts of 235km/h (146mph) and high waves hitting coastal areas. Whole villages are reported to be almost completely destroyed. The water level of the sea has risen and the roads are cut off.
At least 10 people have been killed and nearly 50,000 displaced after Cyclone Batsirai brought strong winds and rain to Madagascar on Saturday evening.
The cyclone compounded its destruction, making landfall near the south-eastern city of Mananjary, just 530km from the capital Antananarivo, at around 20:00 (17:00 GMT) on Saturday, February 5, 2022.
According to the national weather service, the cyclone has now weakened. Madagascar was already reeling from Tropical Storm Ana, which killed 55 people when it hit the Indian Ocean island nation last month.
Africa Federation Secretariat is in communication with the Chairman of Conseil Regional of Madagascar (CROI) who is also the Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly to find out more information on the current situation and working together to assist in areas that are badly affected by this Tropical Cyclone.
The cyclone has added to the difficulties of the Community who are suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic which is still predominant in many parts of Madagascar causing health and economic challenges.
Let us all pray for the safety and wellbeing of all the people of Madagascar and let us pray to Allah (SWT) to save them from all the calamities, Ameen.
Zuhair Jaffer
Hon. Secretary