Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has affected over 7,000 people in Madagascar, damaging 1,000 houses and disrupting education for over 8,000 children. Displacement sites are being vacated as people return home. The cyclone is expected to intensify, particularly impacting the southwest coast. The government is providing aid and monitoring the situation closely.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has severely affected Madagascar, impacting over 7,000 individuals, with 1,000 houses damaged and 203 destroyed. Displaced populations in the north are returning to their homes, while education has resumed in some areas although over 8,000 students remain affected due to damage to nearly 250 classrooms. The southwest coast, particularly Toliara Province, is warned to expect heavy rains and strong winds as the cyclone intensifies.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reports 7,028 affected individuals across Diana and Sava regions, with three confirmed fatalities. Following the cyclone’s passage, many displaced people have returned home. However, 1,185 houses were flooded, and several classrooms were critically damaged, hindering continued education for thousands of children. By January 15, Dikeledi intensified as it approached Madagascar’s coast.
On January 15, the cyclone was located approximately 200 kilometers off Toliara, with expectations of developing further into an intense cyclone. Heavy rainfall and rough seas are anticipated along the southwestern coast. Nevertheless, Dikeledi is predicted to drift towards subtropical areas, weakening significantly over cooler waters, thus mitigating threats to populated regions.
The Madagascar government is enhancing humanitarian aid efforts in the cyclone-affected zone using pre-positioned resources from prior disasters. The food sector has provided essential supplies to 314 families, while efforts to secure water and sanitation services are underway. Education authorities are coordinating the reopening of schools in water-resilient areas, and child-friendly spaces are being established to support affected youth. Medical services are ongoing, alongside the implementation of early warning communication to safeguard at-risk communities along the coast.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar on January 11, 2025, causing extensive damage, particularly in the northern and southwestern regions of the country. The cyclone’s impact included casualties, widespread destruction of homes, and disruptions to education. The government and humanitarian organizations are working diligently to respond to the immediate needs of affected individuals while anticipating further developments as the storm intensifies. Continuous monitoring and support are critical in the ongoing recovery efforts.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has significantly impacted Madagascar, with thousands affected and critical infrastructure damaged. While displaced persons have begun returning home and educational activities have resumed in certain areas, challenges remain regarding severe infrastructure damage. Ongoing government and humanitarian responses are essential in providing immediate aid and facilitating recovery efforts as the cyclone continues its trajectory towards subtropical regions, allowing for the eventual stabilization of conditions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
