Over 22,500 children in northern Madagascar are at risk as Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, prompting evacuations amid fears of severe flooding and destruction. Save the Children prepares to assist affected families, emphasizing the need for increased climate funding due to rising extreme weather events linked to climate change.
On January 11, 2025, families in northern Madagascar prepare for the impending threat of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, anticipated to bring destructive winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding. More than 22,500 children are at risk of displacement and injury, prompting widespread evacuations. The cyclone is the second of the season to impact southern Africa, following the earlier Tropical Storm Chido, which caused significant loss of life and injury in Mayotte.
The meteorological department has reported continuous heavy rainfall leading up to the cyclone, with forecasts predicting nearly four inches of rain, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Save the Children has highlighted the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events, attributing their rise to the ongoing climate crisis.
Tatiana Dasy, Save the Children’s Country Representative for Madagascar, expressed grave concerns about the potential impacts on vulnerable populations, stating that the cyclone is likely to cause extensive damage to homes, schools, and vital infrastructure. The agency has already prepared to assess the cyclone’s initial impact and provide essential support to affected communities.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is predicted to make landfall in northern Madagascar, prompting fears of massive wind gusts, violent storms, and flooding. Northern Madagascar has experienced heavy rainfall in the lead-up to this event, which threatens to displace thousands, especially children. Save the Children has been active in the region to provide assistance, emphasizing that the frequency of such severe weather events is increasing due to climate change. Historically, Madagascar has faced severe storms and cyclones, with past events leading to substantial casualties and infrastructure damage. The importance of enhanced funding and support from wealthier nations to aid low-income countries in coping with the effects of climate change is underscored by this crisis.
The impending landfall of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi poses a significant risk to over 22,500 children in northern Madagascar, with expectations of severe flooding and destruction. Organizations like Save the Children are preparing to provide immediate assistance and have highlighted the urgent need for increased climate funding to support vulnerable populations. With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, the international community must work collaboratively to address these urgent humanitarian needs and fund necessary support systems for those affected.
Original Source: www.savethechildren.org
