Mananjary, a city located in the southeast region of Madagascar, was hit by two intense cyclones, BATSIRAI and EMNATI, between the end of January and the beginning of March 2022. The impacts of these cyclones were severe and widespread, causing significant damage to the city, its infrastructure and its residents.

Impact on Human Lives:

According to a provisional assessment conducted by BNGRC, the human toll of the cyclones was significant with 92 people reported dead as a result of BATSIRAI and 15 people reported dead due to EMNATI. The total number of people affected by the two cyclones was 112,115, with 61,489 displaced persons in 99 accommodation sites. The damage to homes was extensive, with 7,488 dwellings destroyed and 2,714 dwelling units damaged, and 6,978 flooded huts.

Impact on the Education and Health Sectors:

The education sector was heavily impacted, with 885 classrooms damaged and 1,203 classrooms destroyed. The health sector was also affected, with 53 health centers damaged and 6 health centers destroyed across 9 districts.

Impact on Agriculture:

At least 60,000 hectares of rice fields were flooded twice, which could have a significant impact on the upcoming harvest in May. According to WFP, up to 90% of the food production in some affected areas could have been destroyed.

Conclusion:

The two intense cyclones that hit Mananjary in early 2022 caused widespread damage and disrupted the lives of the residents in the city. The impacts were significant, with a large number of deaths reported, widespread damage to homes, schools, and health centers, and a potentially significant impact on agriculture. The aftermath of these cyclones highlights the need for disaster preparedness and response plans to minimize the impacts of such events in the future.

In conclusion, the cyclones that hit Madagascar in February 2022 not only caused significant damage to the agriculture sector but also compounded the existing challenges faced by the country. The floods and winds damaged crops, leading to estimated losses of 61 million USD, and affected the food security of the affected populations. The pandemic, global economic context, and the depreciation of the Ariary have also contributed to the price hike of basic food and non-food items, making it difficult for households to meet their basic needs. The peak of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, as well as damage from pests, has further worsened the situation. The aftermath of the cyclones highlights the need for disaster preparedness and response plans and the importance of addressing the food security and health needs of the affected populations.