UN: Cyclone Ghazani killed scores, left hundreds of thousands affected in Madagascar

The United Nations reported significant damage and humanitarian needs after tropical cyclone Ghazani made landfall on Madagascar’s eastern coast. The spokesperson (Steph) said the government reported at least 52 deaths, more than 800 injuries, and about nine people missing; preliminary reports suggest more than 470,000 people were impacted and over 35,000 displaced.

Following aerial assessments, humanitarian partners estimate $49,000,000 is urgently required to support 382,000 people over the next two and a half months. The briefing said the government’s appeal requests $142,000,000 to address urgent humanitarian needs, recovery and reconstruction.

UN agencies and partners are providing food, water, sanitation, health care, protection, nutrition and shelter, and the UN thanked donors who have provided financial support. The spokesperson urged the swift disbursement of funds to scale up assistance in affected areas.