Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has affected over 7,000 people in Madagascar, damaging and destroying many homes and classrooms. Displacement sites in the north have been vacated as residents return. The southwestern coast is facing severe weather as the cyclone intensifies, prompting emergency responses and temporary port closures.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has impacted Madagascar significantly, affecting over 7,000 individuals, with more than 1,000 houses experiencing damage and 203 destruction. Displacement sites have been abandoned in the north, as residents returned home by January 15. However, nearly 250 classrooms were damaged or destroyed, disrupting education for over 8,000 children. The southwest coast, particularly Toliara, is bracing for severe weather conditions as Dikeledi intensifies.
As of January 15, the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reported 7,028 affected individuals (2,284 families), predominantly in the Diana and Sava regions. This region experienced significant casualties, with at least three fatalities. Although all displacement centers have closed, thousands of houses remain greatly impacted by flooding and destruction, leaving approximately 8,000 children without adequate schooling due to damaged classrooms. Dikeledi has escalated into a tropical cyclone, moving south-southeast and expected to intensify further while remaining offshore.
Emergency response measures are underway, with the government focusing on scaling up humanitarian aid using pre-prepared stocks from an earlier cyclone. Affected families in the Ambilobe District are receiving food assistance, while others are provided with WASH supplies and purification products. Schools have resumed in some areas as local authorities assess damage and implement recovery measures, with child-friendly spaces being established in severely impacted regions. Health services are being offered to monitor and treat those at risk of disease in accommodation sites.
Coordination among humanitarian partners continues through information-sharing meetings focused on cyclone responses. In light of the warnings about severe weather conditions, Toliara port has temporarily closed, prohibiting sea operations to ensure safety along the coast. Partners are also disseminating early warning messages to keep communities informed about the cyclone’s trajectory.
The tropical cyclones that affect Madagascar bring significant humanitarian challenges due to the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Cyclones frequently lead to widespread destruction, displacing populations and causing damage to infrastructure, particularly housing and essential services such as education and healthcare. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) plays a crucial role in managing disaster relief efforts, coordinating responses, and disseminating crucial information to affected communities. As cyclones such as Dikeledi intensify, the need for timely humanitarian assistance and infrastructure recovery becomes paramount for the well-being of those impacted.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has severely impacted Madagascar, affecting thousands and causing widespread destruction. Despite some recovery efforts, many families remain in need of assistance, particularly in the education and health sectors. Continued humanitarian support and effective coordination are essential to address the immediate needs of affected communities and mitigate the long-term consequences of such disasters.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
