Tropical Storm Honde has impacted Madagascar, displacing approximately 21,600 individuals and resulting in three fatalities, one missing person, and 69 injuries. Severe damage occurred to homes and schools, particularly in Toliara, Belo sur Tsiribihina, and Ampanihy. The government and partners are coordinating a humanitarian response, providing essential supplies as the storm weakens and moves away from inhabited areas.
Tropical Storm Honde passed approximately 100 kilometers off the southwestern coast of Madagascar, severely affecting two regions with its wind and rain. Initial reports indicate the loss of three lives, one individual is missing, and 69 others sustained injuries. In total, about 21,600 people have been displaced across several cities in the south, particularly in Toliara, Belo sur Tsiribihina, and Ampanihy, with extensive damage to infrastructure and homes.
Following the storm’s passage on 2 March, humanitarian partners reported that more than 7,200 houses were flooded, 913 were damaged, and 1,924 were destroyed, leaving displaced individuals residing in 54 accommodation sites. Several schools also sustained damage with significant disruptions expected for the resumption of classes. As of now, Honde has moved away from the coast, causing no further impacts on inhabited areas and is anticipated to weaken further in the coming days.
Humanitarian efforts are currently underway, led by the government with support from partners who are delivering essential supplies, including food, non-food items, water, sanitation, hygiene kits, and medical assistance. Furthermore, a helicopter was deployed from Antananarivo to rescue approximately 80 to 100 individuals marooned in Androka Commune. Additionally, resources are being mobilized from the private sector to facilitate aid delivery to the hardest-hit municipalities.
In Ampanihy, food security partners have provided 30 metric tons of rice and 7 metric tons of oil to meet the immediate needs of the displaced population. However, humanitarian supplies are facing depletion after responding to Cyclone Dikeledi in January and now with Honde. Therefore, partners are advocating for additional resources in anticipation of continued cyclone activity through April.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has engaged local authorities and humanitarian agencies in a series of coordination meetings to streamline the response. A comprehensive assessment of available supplies in southwestern and southeastern cities has been conducted to ensure efficient resource allocation for the current crisis and any future needs as adverse weather continues to threaten the region.
In summary, Tropical Storm Honde has caused significant disruption in Madagascar, leading to the displacement of thousands and considerable damage to infrastructure. Continuous humanitarian support is critical as the government and partners respond to the immediate needs of those affected. Coordination efforts are in place to enhance the effectiveness of the aid response, while also preparing for future challenges in the cyclone season.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
