Madagascar – Homes Destroyed, Deaths Reported as Cyclone Enawo Makes Landfall

by in Africa, News

Tropical Cyclone Enawo made landfall in northern Madagascar on 07 March 2017.

Winds and heavy rain have affected northern areas of the country over the last 24 hours. The UN said that 760,000 people could be at risk as the cyclone makes its way across the island. Some areas have recorded more than 200 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Further extreme rainfall has been forecast.

As of early 08 March, local media were reporting 3 fatalities in Analanjirofo Region; one in Maroantsetra and two in Mananara Nord.

Landfall

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that Enawo made landfall at 0800 UTC (3 a.m. EST) on 07 March 7 at 14.6 degrees north latitude and 50.2 degrees east longitude, about half way between Sambava and Antalaha.

Enawo’s maximum sustained winds had strengthened to 144 mph (125 knots/231 kph) making it a Category 4 hurricane.

On March 7 at 10:24 UTC (5:24 a.m. EST) NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite provided a visible image of Enawo just after landfall in northeastern Madagascar.
Credits: NOAA/NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response

Homes Destroyed

Officials from the country’s disaster agency BNGRC (Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes) say that landslides have damaged or destroyed homes in the Sava region, leaving 468 people homeless.

In Antananarivo BNGRC has set up 5 disaster relief sites in anticipation of people evacuating their homes.

Red Alert

Meteo Madagascar has issued red (highest) level warnings for much of the north of the island.

Red alerts across northern Madagascar. Image: Meteo Madagascar

Food Insecurity

Any damage to crops and farmland is likely to bring further misery to a nation currently struggling with food insecurity. The UN recently said that more than 850,000 people are already severely food insecure due to the drought affecting many areas of the country.

Potential population affected by route of Enawo in Madagascar. Image: UNOCHA

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