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
DIG directs SSPs to take unrelenting action against organized crimes
Govt committed to provide relief to poor people: Khawaja Asif
Pakistan aims to agree outline of new IMF loan in May - Finance Minister
Pakistan's indigenous products can enter global market: Experts
Roti, naan will be available at official rates. Nanbai Association
Lacking storm drains, Dubai sees persistent flooding
West Bank villagers vigilant but vulnerable after settler attacks
Sindh to upgrade primary schools to reduce dropout rate
Calls for calm after reported Israeli strike on Iran
PTF meeting for polio eradication held
Emaan Pakistan Eid-Mela inaugurated
BISP cash disbursement center set up
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
12 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago