Torrential Rain Kills Dozens In Madagascar
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published January 25, 2020 | 12:30 AM
Antananarivo, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jan, 2020 ) :At least 26 people have died in Madagascar after almost a week of heavy rain in the north-west of the island, the government said on Friday.
The tropical Indian Ocean nation is in the midst of an intense six-month rainy season that often results in casualties and widespread damage.
Flooding in the districts of Mitsinjo and Maevatanana has claimed at least 26 lives since Sunday, and 15 more people are still missing and thousands have been displaced, the National Bureau of Disaster Risk Management (BNGRC) announced on Friday.
Strips of road were swept away by the rains and access to affected areas has been cut off.
The BNGRC warned that flooding in lowland and rice-growing areas also posed a risk of "food insecurity and malnutrition".
A disruption in the supply of basic goods could also lead to surge in prices, it added.
Prime Minister Christian Ntsay declared the situation a "national loss".
"The government is calling on national figures and international partners to help the Malagasy people with emergency aid, early recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction," spokeswoman Lalatiana Andriatongarivo said in a statement.
The rainy season usually stretches from October to April in Madagascar, a former French colony off Africa's southeastern coast.
Global warming has increased the risk and intensity of flooding, as the atmosphere holds more water and rainfall patterns are disrupted.
Built-up urban areas with poor drainage systems are especially vulnerable to heavy downpours, scientists say.
Nine people were killed in January 2019 after heavy rains caused a building to collapse in the capital Antananarivo.
During this period, the country is also often hit by cyclones and other tropical storms.
Cyclone Belna landed in the northwest last month, killing at least two people and displacing hundreds.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
15 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
17 days ago