Cyclone Batsirai

Intense Tropical Cyclone Batsirai was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike Madagascar since Enawo in 2017 and the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2022 thus far, and the second of tropical cyclones to impact Madagascar in the 2021–22 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season.^[1][2] The second tropical disturbance, first tropical cyclone and the first intense tropical cyclone of the season, Batsirai formed from a tropical disturbance first noted on 24 January. It fluctuated in intensity and became a moderate tropical storm on 27 January, after which it unexpectedly intensified into an intense tropical cyclone. It then weakened, and struggled to intensify through the coming days due to present wind shear and dry air, where it weakened after some time. Afterwards, it entered into much more favorable conditions, and it rapidly intensified into a high-end Category 4 cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson scale while moving towards Madagascar. The storm subsequently underwent an eyewall replacement cyclone for the next day, and fluctuated in intensity before making landfall in Madagascar as a Category 3 cyclone, and rapidly weakening due to the immense mountainous terrain thereafter.

Mauritius and Réunion both experienced damage from the storm, though effects were relatively minor. Two people were killed in Mauritius.^[3] Madagascar prepared recovery supplies as the storm approached, with worries of significant flooding rising due to the deforested geography of the country. Millions were expected to be affected. The United Nations supported preparation and relief efforts for after the storm as well. The storm made landfall in the country early on 5 February, bringing heavy effects and majorly disrupting power and communication throughout the affected areas. Nearly entire towns were devastated, with thousands of structured being damaged or destroyed in total. After the storm passed, over tens of thousands of people were displaced in Madagascar, with many being evacuated to temporary shelters. 20 deaths have been reported in the country.^[4][5][1]