Tropical cyclone hits Madagascar, killing 3, injuring hundreds

Severe weather caused by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has claimed the lives of three people and impacted nearly 1,000 individuals in Madagascar's Sava region, according to a report from the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management released on January 12.

Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Vohemar district, in northern Madagascar, at around 7:30 p.m. local time on January 11. It brought winds of 130 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 180 km/h. By 11:00 p.m., the cyclone had passed over the island's northern coast and continued its westward journey, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The aftermath of the storm left 308 people displaced, with 179 homes flooded and 38 others partially damaged. Additionally, a section of National Road No. 6 was rendered impassable, complicating access to affected areas.

Meteorological authorities have issued warnings for further heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting over 120 millimeters of rain, particularly in northern Madagascar, in the coming hours.

By Khagan Isayev