3 killed as Cyclone Dany lashes Madagascar

The Rhodesia Herald, 

February 10, 1969 

TANANARIVE. – Three people died, eight are missing and more than 25 000 lost their homes or possessions in Cyclone Dany, now blowing itself out south of Madagascar, according to latest reports reaching here tonight. 

Dysentery and measles were reported in the south-east, where aircraft dropped supplies to the village of Nosy Varika, still cut off four days after being swept by a tidal wave. 

Homeless people took refuge on hilltops and in forests in the south-west after a canal bank burst near Tanandava. Cotton and rice plantations were under water. 

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

Cyclones have been in existence for years, but because of climate change, they are becoming stronger and more frequent and the southern part of Africa has been no exception.  

Some of the cyclones that have hit this part of the continent with devastating effect include Cyclone Eline, Idai, Ana and now Batsirai. There is a need to acknowledge that climate change is real and for countries to start act on it. 

Scientists postulate that the frequency and strengthening of cyclones is being influenced by an increase in global warming. This calls for all nations especially the most developed countries to take drastic steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions instead of just paying lip service to the issue, while also assisting the developing countries to move away from the use of hazardous substances to those that are more environmentally friendly in their production processes. 

Countries need to strengthen and develop early warning systems to detect cyclone and continue to put in place strategies to mitigate the effects of the cyclones. They also need to come up with a permanent fund, to deal with the catastrophes caused by cyclones. Organisations such as the Department of Civil Protection need to be continuously resourced to be better able to deal with the hazards posed by cyclones. 

Communities, especially those that are living in areas prone to being hit by cyclones should ensure that they build early warning and communications infrastructure that can withstand the effects of cyclones and at the same time, local authorities should ensure that there is adequate drainage to deal with floods. Countries like Japan that have problems with flooding have numerous huge tunnels that run under their cities, which help to drain water away quickly.