Satellite pictures show devastating impact of Cyclone Batsirai
India Today
Cyclone Batsirai ripped a coastal town in Madagascar over the weekend, leaving residents to pick through the wreckage of their homes.
New satellite pictures of the cyclone hit Madagascar’s eastern coast display damaging impact of cyclone Batsirai. According to United Nations report, the cyclone made landfall on Saturday night local time, with wind speeds of up to 165 km per hour, and wind gusts of up to 230km/h. Local authorities estimate that as many as 150,000 people could be displaced and up to 600,000 could be affected by cyclone Batsirai. Debris filled beaches, roofless houses, uprooted trees and flooded plains are clearly visible in the imagery.
Cyclone #Batsirai’s journey to landfall over Madagascar pic.twitter.com/EJyugurjhM
Among the most affected districts are Mananjary, Nosy Varika and Manakara, according to early reports.Satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies illustrate damaged buildings, flooded colonies and washed roads, following the cyclone. According to local reports, at Nosy Varika—one of the worst-hit towns on the east coast, almost 95% of buildings were destroyed. A comparison of satellite pictures taken before and after the landfall demonstrate the extent of damage.
The government activated search and rescue efforts on Sunday, including a helicopter rescue operation in some areas.
