The government of Madagascar has declared a national disaster in the face of ongoing torrential rain and flooding in the country.

The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said that as many as 26 people have now died as a result of the recent severe weather, with 15 people reported missing.

Almost 93,000 people have now been affected, with the regions of Alaotra Mangoro (3 fatalities), Analamanga, Betsiboka (9), Boeny (13), Diana, Melaky and Sofia (1) among the worst affected.

Flooding and heavy rains have also caused severe material damages, in particular to housing. According to BNGRC, more than 10,000 homes have been flooded, with 46 completely destroyed. National roads are still cut in several locations. BNGRC said around 12,000 people have been displaced.

The government has distributed food, water treatment kits and medicine to affected areas and President Andry Rajoelina visited affected areas on 24 January. Rajoelina said many had been rescued by boats and helicopters but there still more victims in desperate need of help and relief.

© Office of the President of Madagascar
Flood rescues in Madagascar, January 2020.

  

Brazil: 30 killed in flooding and landslides after two days of torrential rain

Seventeen people are missing and 2,600 have been evacuated from their homes after 48 hours of heavy rain.

At least 30 people have died after two days of heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in southeast Brazil.

Seventeen people have been listed as missing and 2,600 were evacuated from their houses in Minas Gerais state, which has been buffeted by 48 hours of torrential rain.

Photos show people, including children, swimming through some of the flooded streets.

A child swims through a flooded street in Anama, Amazonas state

  

More rain is expected in Minas Gerais as well as other parts of Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Around 2,600 people have been evacuated from their homes

Around 2,600 people have been evacuated from their homes

  

On Saturday, the number of deaths stood at 11.

The fatalities were reported in the state capital of Belo Horizonte and in the state's interior.

The governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, will fly over the affected areas on Sunday to evaluate the damage.

The announcement of the deaths comes the same day as mourners elsewhere in Minas Gerais observe the first anniversary of a mining dam collapse that killed at least 250 people.

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