Death toll on Madagascar from cyclone rises to 18

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - The death toll from Cyclone Gamane in Madagascar on Saturday rose to 18, according to official figures.

Among the 13 districts in the northern part of the island nation hit by the cyclone, nearly 50,000 people were affected, 8,958 houses flooded, and 2,013 buildings destroyed, the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management reported.

Three regions of the island nation off East Africa have been affected, including Sava, Diana, and Analanjirofo, and most of the victims died by 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 travel from one region to another impossible.

President Andry Rajoelina toured the damage firsthand and pitched in to help.

“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 disaster agency 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 10 most disaster-prone countries, as well as the most cyclone-prone country in Africa.