ReliefWeb

Tropical Cyclone Batsirai has intensified and is now moving west/west-south-west at about 19 kilometres an hour (kh/h). Batsirai is expected to pass by Mauritius at the end of the day today, 2 February, and Reunion tomorrow morning, 3 February, according to the latest forecast from Meteo France. Mauritius is experiencing wind and rains, which are expected to gradually improve tomorrow. Reunion has been on orange alert since 6 a.m. on 2 February, and conditions have begun to deteriorate, with gusts exceeding 100km/h on the coast and 120km/h in the highlands, according to Meteo France. Batsirai is expected to make landfall on the east coast of Madagascar—likely between Mananjary and Mahanoro districts— as an Intense Tropical Cyclone at the end of this week. All of the eastern coast of Madagascar has been placed on green alert in anticipation of the cyclone’s landfall, which is expected to have a significant impact. (OCHA, 2 Feb 2022)

After the passage of tropical cyclone BATSIRAI on 5-6 February over central and southern Madagascar, preliminary reports state at least 20 fatalities, 69,000 people displaced in shelters including people preventively evacuated and 9,271 children out of school. Various infrastructure damages are reported, including the main access road to the East. Several towns have sustained damage, power and waters supply have been disrupted in Mananjary City. Most affected Regions are reported in the East side of the country. Multi-sectoral rapid assessment and aerial survey are ongoing. BATSIRAI is moving south-westwards over the Mozambique Channel. DG ECHO is sending today its rapid response coordinator to assess the immediate humanitarian needs to guide EU’s response. The Government of Madagascar requested assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism through EU Member States/Participating States, while the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service (EMS) was activated in rapid mapping mode (EMSR564), to support the damage assessment. On 7-8 February, locally heavy rainfall is forecast over southern Madagascar. (ECHO, 7 Feb 2022)

The number of casualties across central and southern Madagascar has increased after the passage of Tropical Cyclone BATSIRAI on 5-6 February. According to the Office of Risks and Disasters (BNGRC), 21 people have died, 62,096 individuals have been displaced to 154 shelters, and up to 72,275 people have been affected. Damage has been reported to infrastructure and buildings, including 211 schools, which has affected more than 9,270 students. UN OCHA reports that relief efforts are underway and rapid assessments of the disaster have started. The European Commission is providing emergency assistance to the affected population in Madagascar ... BATSIRAI is currently moving southwards over the Mozambique Channel and on 8 February at 0.00 UTC its centre was about 300 km from the southern coast of Madagascar. Red warnings have been issued for high waves and strong winds over coastal southern Madagascar. (ECHO, 8 Feb 2022)

After the passage of Tropical Cyclone BATSIRAI over central and southern Madagascar, the number of fatalities reached 94 people, while 30,819 others are still displaced in 117 evacuation centres as reported by the Office of Risks and Disasters (BNGRC). In addition, more than 116,000 people have been affected, at least 8,200 houses destroyed, and more than 2,700 damaged. The Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service was activated on 5 February in rapid mapping mode (EMSR564), and 18 maps have been produced so far. On 11-12 February, moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms is forecast over south-eastern and most parts of eastern Madagascar. (ECHO, 11 Feb 2022)