Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has affected over 7,000 people in Madagascar, damaging more than 1,000 homes. Displacement sites have cleared as affected individuals return home, yet school courses for 8,000 children remain disrupted. The cyclone is expected to strengthen, with predictions of heavy rains and winds in Toliara. Emergency response efforts are mobilizing to assist affected communities.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has significantly impacted Madagascar, with initial assessments indicating that over 7,000 individuals have been affected. The cyclone has resulted in extensive damage, with more than 1,000 houses damaged and 203 completely destroyed. As of January 15, displaced communities in the north have returned to their homes, although school disruptions have affected over 8,000 children due to the damage of nearly 250 classrooms.
The immediate aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi on January 11 reveals substantial humanitarian challenges, particularly in the northern regions of Madagascar, notably Diana and Sava. According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, the total number of affected individuals stands at 7,028, with 1,185 houses flooded and casualties reported. Meteorological predictions indicate that the cyclone is likely to strengthen, bringing further adverse weather to regions like Toliara.
The Government of Madagascar, along with humanitarian partners, is actively mobilizing resources to address the needs arising from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi. While schools have resumed in certain areas, many children remain affected due to classroom damages. Relief efforts are ongoing, with attention directed towards food supply, sanitation, education, and health services to mitigate the cyclone’s impact on the affected population.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
