Cyclone Gamane kills 11 in Madagascar

By Anadolu Staff

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – At least 11 people were killed by Cyclone Gamane on Wednesday in Madagascar, according to a provisional report issued by the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC).

The report said more than 7,100 people have been affected by the cyclone’s devastation, which included violent winds and continuous rain for several hours.

Three regions of the island nation on Africa's southeastern coast have been affected, including Sava, Diana, and Analanjirofo, and the majority of victims died as a result of drowning, being hit by falling trees, or being washed away by running water.

Local daily Tribune Madagascar reported that the floods damaged roads and bridges, making it impossible to travel from one region to another.

“Evacuation and humanitarian aid operations are underway, with measures taken to deliver aid by air within the next 24 hours, subject to favorable weather conditions,” the daily reported.

It said armed forces, as well as Interior Ministry and BNGRC teams, have been mobilized to rescue trapped people, relocate them to safer locations, and restore communication lines.

According to USAID, Madagascar is one of the top ten most disaster-prone countries, as well as the most cyclone-prone country in Africa.