Share

Madagascar storm death toll climbs

Antananarivo - Sixty eight people were killed in the tropical storm that battered Madagascar over a week ago, according to new figures released Tuesday ahead of a national day of mourning.

"The flag is to be at half-mast on Wednesday.... All festive activities are suspended," the government said.

The hardest hit area of the Indian Ocean island saw 25 deaths, with the majority killed by landslides unleashed by the tropical storm known as Chedza on 16 and 17 January.

Three-quarters of the island was impacted by the storm, which dumped heavy rains and prompted major flooding in low-lying areas.

A new storm named Dimanondra formed east of Madagascar on Tuesday, but it remained some 3 000km away, according to the national meteorological service.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
40% - 149 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
60% - 219 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.02
-0.6%
Rand - Pound
24.01
-0.5%
Rand - Euro
20.52
-0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.35
+0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.6%
Platinum
900.40
+0.4%
Palladium
998.40
-0.3%
Gold
2,211.77
+0.8%
Silver
24.64
-0.0%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,114
+0.6%
All Share
74,310
+0.5%
Resource 10
56,946
+2.3%
Industrial 25
103,653
+0.4%
Financial 15
16,467
-0.3%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE