50,000 homeless after cyclone

More than 50,000 people have been left homeless on the African island state of Madagascar after a cyclone swept through ‘with disastrous consequences’. Cyclone Gafilo hit north-eastern parts of the island early on Sunday, with winds of up to 235 kmh and heavy rain. According to the South African news website news24.com, the Prime Minister Jacques Sylla said that the town of Antahala was hit especially hard, with water and electricity supplies being cut off. He also called for ‘international solidarity’ in providing tents, medicine, basic food, as well as aeroplanes and helicopters to reach isolated areas. He reportedly added: “It is a true national catastrophe – a great shock with disastrous consequences.” The storm is the second to hit the island in a matter of weeks; last month, Madagascar was hit by another cyclone that left 29 people dead, 100 injured and 44,000 homeless. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad