Cyclone Batsirai made landfall on the east coast, with gusts of 235km/h (146mph), almost completely destroying whole villages.

“Extensive damage caused by Cyclone Batsirai in Nosy Varika and Mananjary. Destruction of property and infrastructure leaving victims homeless. Cut trees, some streets and places in the city of Mananjary inaccessible. Cut of water and electricity,” the United Nations in Madagascar tweeted.

De nombreux dégâts causés par le cyclone Batsirai à Nosy Varika et Mananjary.

Destruction de biens et des infrastructures laissant des sinistrés sans abris.

Arbres coupés , quelques rues et endroits de la ville de Mananjary inaccessibles.
Coupure d'eau et d'électricité. pic.twitter.com/tTvY25GUN9

— UN Madagascar (@UNMadagascar) February 6, 2022

The cyclone later weakened but not before wreaking havoc in the country, which is still reeling from Tropical Storm Ana that killed 55 people last month.

The cyclone has worsened the humanitarian situation, which is already precarious after tropical storm Ana. At least 131,000 people were affected across the country, including 71,000 people who were displaced, according to officials. (ILKHA)