Highlights

• Tropical Storm Eliakim passed through Madagascar from 16 to 18 March.

• The weather system brought heavy rains and strong winds.

• More than 15,770 people have been impacted, including 17 dead and nearly 6,300 temporarily displaced.

Situation

Severe Tropical Storm Eliakim passed through Madagascar from 16 to 18 March 2018, bringing intense rainfall, floods and winds. The worst-affected areas were the Antongil Bay and Masoala Peninsula in Maroantsetra District, and Mandritsara and Ambilobe districts.

According to the Malagasy authorities, as of 18 March, about 15,770 people had been impacted by Tropical Storm Eliakim, including 6,280 people temporarily displaced and 17 dead. The storm destroyed 648 houses, damaged 251, and flooded 1,271.

The storm has also impacted education, and water and sanitation infrastructure.

Eight schools have been affected, leaving 700 children out of school. About 43,000 people lost access to clean water or sanitation.

Although Tropical Storm Eliakim is now tracking away from Madagascar, the full extent of its damage will only become known in the coming days.

Response

The Malagasy Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et Catastrophes (BNGRC) has deployed four teams to Antalaha, Maroantsetra, Soanierana Ivongo and Sainte Marie districts and has activated emergency operational centres. An inter-agency team planned to fly to the most affected districts today to conduct an assessment. Some of the areas hardest hit by Tropical Storm Eliakim are only accessible by air or sea during the rainy season.

The next Flash Update will be issued as required, as soon as more information is available.