350Africa.org has reacted to the Tropical Cyclone Ana formed on the east coast of Madagascar which has killed 36 people and rendered thousands homeless, saying the disaster underscores the climate injustice being faced by vulnerable African communities.
A statement by the organisation said the cyclone is wreaking havoc in the island and surrounding Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in loss of lives, displacement, destruction of infrastructure and interruption of services. Reports indicate that 36 people have been killed so far; 34 in Madagascar and 2 in Mozambique. Authorities in Madagascar say approximately 65,000 people have been rendered homeless, while Mozambican authorities revealed at least 115 homes have been destroyed and 456 others partially destroyed.
Reacting to the development, the 350Africa.org regional director, Landry Ninteretse, said: “As a climate justice organisation, we are concerned about the impact of this tropical cyclone, more so in these vulnerable areas that are yet to recover from devastating climate disasters they have experienced. We stand in solidarity with our comrades and partners affected by this disaster and call on humanitarian agencies to move with speed to save lives. Needless to say, disasters such as these are further evidence of the injustice suffered by the nations that contribute least to the climate crisis, as they bear the brunt of the crisis, by way of worsening climate impacts. Not only should this be a wake-up call for the biggest polluters to commit to plans to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by moving away from fossil fuels, but also for the developed world to make good on its promise of climate finance to help vulnerable nations deal with the impacts of the climate crisis.”
The tropical storm started as a low-pressure system on the southwest part of the Indian Ocean and crossed over Madagascar on January 22. The storm first made landfall in Angoche, Nampula province on January 24. More heavy rainfall is forecast over Madagascar, Mozambique and parts of Malawi in the coming days.
Madagascar has been experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, with the World Food Programme (WFP) stating that it is the only place in the world where climate change, not conflict, has driven severe hunger.
