11 February 2022
Tropical cyclone Batsirai hit the island of Madagascar on Saturday evening, 5 February, causing severe damage. Based on initial assessments of the damage on the ground, it is estimated that several hundred thousand people may need urgent humanitarian assistance. Teams from the Luxembourg Red Cross are on site to support the Malagasy Red Cross and the IFRC. The French Red Cross is also providing extensive support in terms of equipment and teams on site.
Batsirai has caused extensive material damage in the southeastern region of Madagascar, flooding villages and destroying houses. Bodies were found in the debris of collapsed houses. The island’s food security is also seriously affected. Rice fields were damaged, resulting in a dramatic loss of rice crops. According to the latest official figures from the BNGRC (Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et Catastrophes), 80 people have died, more than 112,000 have been affected and more than 62,500 people were preventively accommodated in 99 shelter sites, while 130,000 people were already displaced following storm Ana. Assessments also show that more than 7,500 houses were destroyed and more than 2,700 huts damaged.
A CALL FOR DONATIONS TO HELP THE MALAGASY POPULATION
Assessing the damage is still a long process, and access to the most affected areas is particularly difficult as many roads and bridges have been destroyed. According to initial reports, victims need assistance in terms of health, temporary shelter, cash, first aid, psychological support, access to clean water, and hygiene and sanitation.
As demand continues to grow, the people of Madagascar need the solidarity of as many people as possible. They need you.