Over 22,500 children in northern Madagascar brace for Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which is expected to cause extensive damage due to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding. Save the Children expresses urgency for humanitarian aid and calls for increased climate funding from wealthier nations to assist lower-income countries facing similar crises.
Antananarivo, Madagascar – On January 11, 2025, Save the Children reported that more than 22,500 children in northern Madagascar are preparing for a significant threat as Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi approaches. The cyclone brings warnings of violent storms, strong winds, and potential flooding, prompting extensive evacuations from heavily affected areas. The meteorological department has indicated that over the last 24 hours, the region has already been experiencing heavy rainfall, with further torrential downpours projected in the next few days.
This season’s second tropical cyclone poses a substantial risk to communities still recovering from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Chido in December, which resulted in fatalities and injuries in nearby Mayotte. As the frequency of extreme weather events increases due to climate change, Save the Children emphasizes the urgent need for financial assistance from wealthier nations to support vulnerable countries like Madagascar in their efforts to mitigate climate impacts.
Tatiana Dasy, Save the Children’s Country Representative for Madagascar, voiced grave concerns for those affected by the disaster, stating, “We are extremely concerned that more than 22,500 children living in areas expected to be hit by the cyclone are at risk of being displaced, losing their homes, school and possibly being injured or killed by falling objects or floods.”
The organization has enacted preparedness measures, such as stockpiling essential supplies and enhancing community resilience at schools to cope with impending cyclones. With thousands of individuals in jeopardy, Save the Children calls for immediate humanitarian aid and rescue operations to alleviate suffering and save lives. The charity has been active in Madagascar since 2016, focusing on child protection and cash assistance during crises, reaching over 12,700 children in 2024 alone.
The looming threat of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi highlights the increasing vulnerability of Madagascar due to severe climatic conditions. Past cyclones, like Tropical Storm Chido, have caused substantial humanitarian crises, resulting in loss of life and displacement. The challenges faced by Madagascar underscore the dire need for stronger support from higher-income nations, especially in the wake of the ongoing climate crisis. Save the Children has proactively prepared for such emergencies, ensuring that children, the most vulnerable during disasters, are safeguarded.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi threatens to significantly impact northern Madagascar, particularly vulnerable children and families. Save the Children’s efforts are crucial in providing relief and highlighting the necessity for international aid in combatting climate-related disasters. Immediate actions are required to mitigate the cyclone’s effects, emphasizing the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting affected communities.
Original Source: www.savethechildren.org
