Madagascar: 4 storms crippled the country, UNWFP appleas for funds

Tropical Cyclone Emnati that made landfall in Madagascar on Wednesday, the fourth tropical storm in as many weeks to hit one of Africa’s most storm-prone countries, threatens food security and is an example of how weather extremes will trigger runaway humanitarian needs if we do not tackle the climate crisis, warns the United Nations World Food Programme just days ahead of the launch of a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The storms – Emnati, Dumako, Batsirai and Ana – have wrecked the island nation, causing widespread damage to agricultural land including the rice crop that was just weeks away from harvest. Cash crops like cloves, coffee and pepper have also been severely affected. The back-to-back storms have impacted market supplies with the potential to send food prices soaring and food insecurity spiraling in the coming months.

The United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP) has appealed for funds to assist those affected by the Cyclone Emnati in Madagascar. The storm crashed into the south-east part of the island nation on Tuesday night, dumping rain and destroying homes and crops. No casualties have been reported. The WFP says at least 44,000 people have been displaced or affected and flooding has hampered their assessments.Pasqualina Di Sirio, the agency’s Madagascar country director, told the media its appeal for $16m will ensure adequate food supplies for the next three months. Since January, Madagascar has suffered four cyclones which have left over 180 people dead and affected about 250,000 others. Much of the population remains under stress following an aggressive cyclone season. The WFP says a new weather system is forming, prompting fears of another storm.