A ferocious cyclone is approaching Madagascar on Africa’s east coast, putting the island nation of 28 million people at risk. Nearly 600,000 people are expected to be directly affected, with more than 150,000 expected to be displaced, according to officials.

Residents across the island are stocking up on groceries and protecting their homes as best they can before the storm.

Government and Red Cross teams are preparing for the emergency.

The storm will be stronger than Ana, which hit Madagascar less than two weeks ago. Several low-lying areas of the island remain submerged.

What is the expected wind strength?

Cyclone Batsirai is expected to hit the east coast of the Indian Ocean island on Saturday with strong winds of 195 kilometers per hour, according to the Meteorological Service.

“We are concerned about the scale and projected impact of this severe cyclone. Our immediate response activities will be focused on saving lives, which will include search and rescue operations,” said Andoniaina Ratsimamanga, secretary-general of the Madagascar Red Cross.

The east coast of Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, has seen cloudy and windy conditions as the cyclone approaches.

What is the forecast?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Batsirai is expected to bring more heavy rain on Saturday, with up to 30cm of rain expected, with more to come in the mountains.

“If this rain falls on already saturated ground, then that increases the risk of flooding,” WOM’s media officer Claire Nulis said in a Friday news conference.

Batsirai is expected to be upgraded from Category 3 to Category 4 before making landfall in eastern Madagascar on Saturday, according to WMO officials.

Meaning of Battersea

Batsirai means “help” in Shona and is mainly used in African countries. In addition to dialects such as Zezuru, Korekore and Karanga, the language is spoken by approximately 7.5 million people.

Hurricane Batsirai killed at least one person and caused widespread power outages while crossing Mauritius and Reunion.

It has picked up speed and is expected to move through the center of Madagascar from east to west.

The region has been hit by severe storms and hurricanes several times in recent years, destroying homes, infrastructure and crops, and displacing large numbers of people.

As climate change warms seas, storms become stronger and more frequent, and rising sea levels also make low-lying coastal areas vulnerable, experts say.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times