Tropical Storm Honde struck Madagascar, impacting the southwestern coast and causing three deaths, numerous injuries, and displacing approximately 21,600 people. Significant infrastructure damage was reported, with thousands of homes affected. Humanitarian efforts are currently ongoing to provide essential support, although resources are depleting as the cyclone season continues.
Tropical Storm Honde recently impacted Madagascar, passing about 100 km off the southwestern coast. Initial assessments reveal three fatalities, one missing individual, and 69 injuries. Approximately 21,600 people have been displaced, primarily from the districts of Toliara, Belo sur Tsiribihina, and Ampanihy. The storm significantly damaged infrastructure, including homes and schools, complicating recovery efforts.
Reports indicate that over 7,200 houses were flooded, with 913 damaged and 1,924 completely destroyed, affecting thousands of households. Displaced individuals are currently residing in 54 accommodation facilities across various districts. Due to storm damage, several schools are closed or severely compromised, hindering the resumption of classes.
Although Tropical Storm Honde is now moving away from populated areas, it previously caused adverse weather conditions that contributed to displacement. The system intensified into a storm on February 26, subsequently approaching Madagascar on February 28. Notably, the area had already experienced heavy rainfall and flooding earlier that month.
The humanitarian response is well underway, with multiple agencies collaborating with the government to provide relief. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and humanitarian partners are supplying food, essential items, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and medical assistance. Critical aid is being delivered to remote communities, including Androka Commune, where many individuals remain marooned.
To address food insecurity, partners have distributed provisions, including 30 metric tons of rice and 7 metric tons of oil, sufficient for five days of rations for the displaced in Ampanihy. Additionally, water treatment supplies and WASH kits are being distributed across the affected areas. However, existing humanitarian resources are nearing depletion due to prior cyclone responses, prompting calls for additional support as the cyclone season continues.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is coordinating relief efforts and held meetings with local authorities to organize actions. On February 27 and 28, a series of coordination meetings aimed at expediting and fine-tuning the response were conducted. A comprehensive assessment of available supplies in the southwest has been performed to inform resource allocation going forward.
In summary, Tropical Storm Honde has caused significant devastation in Madagascar, leading to loss of life, widespread displacement, and extensive damage to infrastructure. The ongoing humanitarian response is crucial, yet resources are limited as the cyclone season persists. Collaborative efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations are essential to ensure effective relief and recovery for affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
