Cyclone Weakens, But Still a Threat to Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Ivan has weakened after killing 11 people in Madagascar, but could still flood rivers are causing further damage on the world`s fourth largest island, Mozambican officials said on Tuesday.

The head of Mozambique’s Meteorological Institute, INAM, Mussa Mustafa told APA that the Cyclone weakened on its way to the Mozambican channel, but could still cause torrential rains in Mozambique and flood many rivers in Madagascar on Wednesday.

Cyclone Ivan, one of the largest cyclones ever to hit Madagascar, was expected to strike Mozambique on Tuesday as it was moving at a speed of 190 km/h after sweeping through Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island where it reportedly caused the collapse of a hotel.

Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi have been lashed by heavy rain for weeks, causing rivers to burst their banks and forcing thousands of villagers to flee flooded homes.

Mozambique’s worst disaster in recent memory occurred in 2000-2001 when a series of cyclones worsened widespread flooding in southern and central parts of the country, killing 700 people and driving close to half a million from their homes.

Source African Press Agency

Net News Publisher