Madagascar: Tropical Cyclone Gamane Flash Update No. 3, 02 May 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The passage of Tropical Storm Gamane on 27 March killed at least 19 people and affected 535,000, including displacing 22,700 people.

  • Accessing some of the affected areas remains a challenge as the national road connecting the northeast region is still cut-off; goods and humanitarians are being transported either by air or by sea, thus increasing the cost of the response.

  • Response efforts are being scaled-up, but additional resources are required to meet the gap in needs.

  • Resource mobilization efforts continue via different mechanisms such as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the Start Fund and the Red Cross’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).

  • Humanitarian coordination structures have been activated in the field.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The passage of Tropical Storm Gamane weather system brought heavy rains, storms and floods to Sava, Analanjirofo, and Diana regions in the north and northeast Madagascar on 27 March. At least 19 people were killed, 535,000 affected, including 22,700 internally displaced, most of whom were sheltering in temporary sites, while some moved in with family members as of 29 March, according to estimates from a joint aerial assessment conducted by humanitarian partners and the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). The Madagascar Government declared a national emergency on 3 April. However, most of the people that were displaced have left the temporary accommodation sites.

The floods caused by the storm also damaged and destroyed infrastructure. Around 18,830 houses were flooded and more than 780 damaged or destroyed; about 101 schools were flooded and 309 classrooms damaged, resulting in about 37,060 children having no access to schools. At least some 22 health centres were also damaged. Road accessibility has relatively improved as Ambilobe District in Diana Region is currently accessible by road from Sava Region. However, the national road connecting Ambilobe and Sava Region to the capital is expected to be fully operational in July. In addition, electricity supply has also been restored in Vohemar, Sambava, and Maroantsetra districts.