Less than two weeks after hit by Storm Ana, Cyclone Batsirai struck Madagascar. On Saturday, Cyclone Batsirai made its landfall in Madagascar’s Mananjary city. The cyclone is expected to cause winds that have speed reach up to 250 kilometers per hour, and waves 15 meters high. Due to the Batsirai, thousands of people were evacuated in the country.
In addition to that, Madagascar Environment Minister Vahinala Raharinirina stated that Batsirai is expected to affect approximately 600.000 people and may be the worst cyclone to hit the country. World Food Programme (WFP) reported that they have stepped up its preparations together with aid organizations, put rescue planes on hold and stockpiled humanitarian supplies. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated that Batsirai poses a risk to at least 4.4 million people.
On the other hand, an oil tanker Tresta Star ran aground on the south coast of France’s overseas territory of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, on Friday due to Batsirai. Local officials stated that 11 crew members from India and Bangladesh were rescued from tanker. It was reported that there were no casualties in the incident and the tanker was empty.