Cyclone Gamane has struck Madagascar’s northern region, claiming 11 lives and affecting 7,000 others.
The slow-moving cyclone caused widespread destruction as high winds tore down trees, and torrents of water inundated villages, washing away houses and cutting off numerous routes and bridges.
Director General of Madagascar’s National Disaster Management Office, General Elack Andriakaja, described the cyclone’s stationary movement as rare and reiterated its devastating impact on infrastructure and population.
Despite being reclassified as a tropical storm, Cyclone Gamane is expected to continue affecting the island until Friday afternoon, as meteorologists monitor its trajectory.