Friday, March 29

Madagascar

20 Dead in Madagascar After Cyclone Batsirai Passes
Africa, Madagascar, News

20 Dead in Madagascar After Cyclone Batsirai Passes

Cyclone Batsiarai left Madagascar, an island off the East African coast, Monday morning. The cyclone spared the island's largest cities, but elsewhere, according to the latest assessment by authorities, 20 people were killed.   UN children's rights organization UNICEF points out that the floods have destroyed the rice fields in the centre of the island, which could further complicate the humanitarian situation. More than 55,000 people had to leave their homes due to the cyclone's arrival, reports the disaster management agency BNGRC. The cyclone made landfall on the island's east coast during the night from Saturday to Sunday, with heavy rain and wind gusts up to 165 km/h. "The impact of the cyclone does not end today; the impact on agriculture will continue for months," warned J...
Army Madagascar Hands Out Miracle Cure Against Coronavirus
Africa, Madagascar, News

Army Madagascar Hands Out Miracle Cure Against Coronavirus

Soldiers have gone to houses in the capital of Madagascar to hand out a new kind of herbal tea. According to President Andry Rajoelina, it is a powerful drug against the coronavirus, but experts are sceptical.   The drug was developed by the local research institute IMRA but has not yet been tested internationally. Still, Rajoelina has full confidence in the spice mixture. "We can change the history of the whole world," he said at the official presentation. "Two people have already cured thanks to this treatment." Herbal tea is more often used in Madagascar to treat ailments. In the poor island state with 26 million inhabitants, many people have limited access to medical care. An army doctor said on state television that the new drug would at least strengthen people's resistance....