Storm Forces Mass Evacuation as Madagascar Braces for Heavy Floods
The storm is expected to make landfall on January 11, and authorities are warning of a potential humanitarian crisis in flood-prone areas.
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar— Thousands of families in northern Madagascar are evacuating as Tropical Storm Dikeledi approaches with threats of severe flooding and violent winds, marking the region's second major storm this season, writes Winston Mwale.
Madagascar's meteorological department reported heavy rainfall in the north over the past 24 hours, with forecasts predicting storm surges and intense precipitation exceeding 100 millimeters in the next 48 hours.
"More than 22,500 children living in areas expected to be hit by the cyclone are at risk of being displaced," said Tatiana Dasy, Save the Children's Country Representative for Madagascar.
"From past experience, the cyclone will likely cause extensive damage to residential areas and vulnerable yet vital public infrastructure such as schools and hospitals."
The storm follows December's Tropical Storm Chido, which killed 39 people in nearby Mayotte but largely spared Madagascar.
Save the Children has positioned emergency supplies in the Sava region and strengthened community preparedness, particularly around schools.
The organization has operated in Madagascar since 2016, reaching over 12,700 children through its programs in 2024.
The aid agency emphasized that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, calling for increased funding from higher-income countries to help vulnerable nations cope with climate impacts.
The storm is expected to make landfall on January 11, and authorities are warning of a potential humanitarian crisis in flood-prone areas.