Tropical Storm Honde impacted Madagascar on 2 March, displacing 21,600 people and resulting in three deaths, one missing person, and 69 injuries. Significant infrastructure damage was reported, including over 7,200 flooded homes. Humanitarian responses include search and rescue efforts and the distribution of essential supplies. The government and partners emphasize the need for additional resources as the cyclone season progresses.
Tropical Storm Honde passed approximately 100 km off the south-western coast of Madagascar on 2 March, predominantly affecting the southern regions. Initial assessments indicate tragic casualties, with three confirmed deaths, one individual missing, and 69 people injured. Furthermore, around 21,600 individuals have been displaced, primarily in Toliara, Belo sur Tsiribihina, and Ampanihy, as a result of flooding and infrastructure damage. The storm has also severely impacted housing, with over 7,200 homes inundated, 913 damaged, and 1,924 completely destroyed.
Tropical Storm Honde has since moved away from the coast, posing no further risk to inhabited areas as confirmed by Météo France. The storm is expected to weaken and gradually lose its tropical characteristics post-6 March. Honde formed in the southern Mozambique Channel, intensifying into a storm by 26 February, and had already affected areas like Ampanihy District and Toliara City due to prior adverse weather conditions that led to displacement across various localities, including the capital, Antananarivo.
In response to the emergency, humanitarian partners are providing essential assistance alongside the government. Efforts include ongoing search and rescue operations, as well as the distribution of food, non-food items, water, sanitation, hygiene kits, and medicines. On 2 March, a government helicopter was deployed to aid individuals stranded in Androka Commune, with additional transport mobilized in Toliara City to ensure aid reaches remote municipalities. Furthermore, 30 metric tons of rice and 7 metric tons of oil have been distributed to meet immediate needs in Ampanihy.
Partners are actively working to assess and stabilize the situation through coordinated meetings and sharing of available resources. However, the depletion of humanitarian supplies following prior cyclones underscores the need for replenishment, especially since the peak of the cyclone season extends until April. A thorough evaluation of available supplies within various southwestern cities has been conducted to optimize resource allocation for ongoing relief efforts.
Overall, while response measures are in place, there remains a pressing call for additional resources to sustain interventions in the coming weeks as the humanitarian situation evolves. The National Disaster Management Office and partner organizations continue to adapt their strategies to best support the affected populations as they navigate this complex crisis.
Tropical Storm Honde has caused significant destruction across southern Madagascar, displacing thousands and causing casualties. The government’s coordinated response alongside humanitarian partners focuses on delivering essential aid and addressing immediate needs. Moving forward, the need for replenishing depleted resources is critical as the cyclone season continues. Regular assessments and proactive measures are required to effectively support those impacted by this disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
