Tropical Cyclone Honde has left a devastating mark on the southern region of Madagascar, as significant rainfall and flooding wreaked havoc across several communities. While Honde was less violent than its predecessor, Cyclone Garance, it unleashed massive cloud formations and torrential downpours, particularly impacting the area surrounding Morondava.
According to reports from Midi-Madagascar, the flooding was so severe it rendered local emergency shelters incapable of accommodating those displaced. The prefecture itself was also inundated, leading local authorities to requisition hotels and businesses to assist with the growing number of people needing shelter. The Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes confirmed on Sunday afternoon, March 2, 2025, the grim toll of three fatalities, including two children and one adult.
More than 43,000 individuals were reported as affected, with 20,000 evacuated as a precautionary measure. The infrastructure damage was heartbreaking; officials recorded 7,248 homes as damaged, 1,924 fully destroyed, and over 20 classrooms rendered unsusable, with many roofs blown off, according to L'Express de Madagascar.
By Monday, March 3, 2025, the tropical cyclone had been downgraded to a strong tropical storm, located approximately 230 kilometers southeast of Madagascar’s coast, moving south-southeast at 4 km/h. The storm’s peak intensity had passed, but forecasters noted it could temporarily strengthen again within the next 24 hours before making its final dissipation as it moved to higher latitudes.
Weather experts at Météo-France La Réunion reassured the public, saying, “Conditions continue to improve over the southern part of the province of Toliara. The sea remains dangerous on Monday but is expected to slowly calm down over the coming days.” The latest projections indicate the cyclone's center will be positioned at 29° 6 South and 47° 8 East by March 4. It is anticipated to transition to post-tropical lows throughout the week.
Despite the cyclone's reduced status, the impact on local communities has been severe. The aftermath has prompted local leaders and organizations to mobilize resources for those affected by the flooding and to initiate recovery efforts swiftly. Reports from NewsMada indicated there were at least three fatalities and 42 injuries, with more than 40,000 individuals impacted severely by the flooding. The hardest-hit area was reported to be the Toliara II district, home to over 11,308 affected residents.
The response teams are working around the clock to manage the crisis, and community leaders are actively seeking assistance from governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide adequate shelter, food, and medical needs. A troubling statistic emerged with the destruction of over 1,271 homes; many more remain inundated or damaged. Emergency services continue to assess the full extent of the damage as recovery efforts begin.
The psychological impact on communities is equally concerning. Many families are struggling not only with physical displacement but also the emotional toll of losses and uncertainty. Local counseling services have begun to offer support to help residents cope with these stressful circumstances.
Various relief efforts are underway, and the local government is appealing for donations to assist with recovery. Health officials are also urging the public to maintain hygiene practices to prevent potential outbreaks of disease, which could arise due to stagnant water from the flood.
With communication lines re-established gradually, stories of resilience are already surfacing. Individuals are coming together to help one another, showing solidarity amid the crisis. Local organizations are leveraging social media to mobilize aid and raise awareness around the issues residents face following the disaster.
Looking forward, the overall recovery roadmap is likely to focus not only on immediate assistance but also on long-term strategies to bolster the infrastructure against future cyclones and improve emergency preparedness among the vulnerable populations. Experts stress the necessity of building stronger, more resilient communities through education and infrastructure development.
While Cyclone Honde has presented significant challenges, it has also renewed discussions around disaster preparedness, adaptation, and the necessity for sustainable community planning to mitigate impacts from future storms, particularly as Madagascar faces the increasing threats of climate change. The nation's resilience will undoubtedly be tested, but the spirit to overcome, as indicated by community leaders and residents alike, remains strong.