Madagascar has put six of its regions on high alert as tropical Cyclone Batsirai is forecast to hit the Indian Ocean island’s east coast on Saturday with intense winds of 195km per hour, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Residents across the island are stocking up on groceries and securing their homes as much as possible before the storm lands.

About 4.4 million of Madagascar’s 28 million people are at risk, with nearly 600,000 expected to be directly affected and more than 150,000 likely to be displaced, according to officials. Government and Red Cross teams are preparing for emergencies.

Currently, Cyclone Batsirai is just north of the volcanic islands of Mauritius and Reunion.

As a preventive measure, the country´s Council of Ministers ordered the closure of all schools and universities, with all administrative offices closed.

In the private sector, only businesses deemed essential will be able to work, including pharmacies, clinics, and ambulances.

Batsirai follows the Tropical Storm Ana that last week killed scores in Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar.

A low-pressure system initially formed over the east coast of Madagascar evolved into a moderate tropical storm, named Ana, making landfall in Angoche District, Nampula province, in Mozambique and also affecting Malawi.

In Madagascar alone, Cyclone Ana killed 55 people, affected 131,549 others, and displaced 71,781.

Source: Nam News Network