Madagascar - Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 05:45:00 +01:00

Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM moved over Analanjirofo and Antsinanana provinces over 17-18 March. It then continued heading off the central and southeastern coast of Madagascar as a Tropical Storm. On 19 March at 0.00 UTC, its centre was located 130 km south-east of Manakara (Vatovavy-Fitovinany) and had maximum sustained winds of 83 km/h.
Over the next 24 hours, it is forecast to keep heading southeast away from land, strengthening. Heavy rain and strong winds may still affect northern, central and southern Madagascar and La Reunion over 19-20 March. Meteo Madagascar has published a red alert for strong winds in the southeastern areas of the country. Meteo France La Reunion has issued an orange alert for strong winds for the southwestern areas of the island.
Copernicus Emergency Management Service was activated. Nine delineation maps have been produced so far.
Local media reported, as of 19 March, that 17 people have been killed, over 6 200 people have been evacuated and over 1 500 houses have been damaged in the regions of Analanjirofo and Atisinanana. National authorities also reported that the access to the affected areas may be a major constraint due to a large number of landslides and flooded roads.

Madagascar, La Reunion - Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 05:43:00 +01:00

Tropical Cyclone ELIAKIM made landfall on the peninsula of Masoala in north east Madagascar at 6:00 UTC. A second landfall is expected in Mananara Avaratra. Average wind speed is 100 km/h with gusts up to 140 km/h. and it had maximum sustained winds of 102 km/h.
Over the next 48 hours, it is forecast to move south over central Madagascar regions, weakening. Its centre may reach water again on 19 March and move away from land. Heavy rain, storm surges and strong winds may affect northern, central and southern Madagascar and La Reunion over 16-20 March.
As of 16 March, Meteo Madagascar has issued a cyclone alert red for several areas of Sava, Bealalana, Befandriana Nord, Mandritsara, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana and Alaotra. They have also published a red alert for heavy rain and strong winds in the central-eastern and the northern areas of the country.
Local media reported, as of 16 March, that hundreds of people have been preventively evacuated in the north-east areas of the country.