Wed, 05:59 23 Apr 2008 GMT17

 

Death toll from Madagascar cyclone hits 83
29 Feb 2008 08:37:53 GMT
Source: Reuters
ANTANANARIVO, Feb 29 (Reuters) - Cyclone Ivan has killed 83 people and left almost 200,000 homeless after tearing through Madagascar last week, officials said on Friday.

Ivan pelted the Indian Ocean island's east coast with winds of more than 125 mph (200 kph) early last week, making it one of the largest cyclones ever to hit Madagascar.

"The latest toll states that 83 deaths are registered all over the country," said Colonel Jean Rakotomalala, head of the National Office for Disaster and Risk Management (BNGRC).

Six cyclones struck Madagascar last year, killing at least a 150 people and destroying homes and crops in the island's worst season on record.

The world's fourth largest island is prone to frequent cyclones and tropical storms. The season's first cyclone, Cyclone Fame, killed at least 13 people.

(Reporting by Fanja Saholiarisoa; Writing by Jack Kimball)
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