Madagascar Tropical Storm Displaces Thousands, Kills 14

At least 14 people were killed over the weekend when the island nation of Madagascar was battered by a tropical storm, officials said Monday.

Tropical storm Chedza has displaced more than 36,000 Madagascans, said the National Office of Risk and Catastrophe Management. Most of the deaths were a result of landslides caused by heavy rain and building collapses as strong winds tore roofs from houses.

Flooding was especially severe in the capital Antananarivo, where more than 30,000 people have been displaced, said the national office. The Madagascan government has set up temporary shelters in schools and other public buildings to house those forced from their homes.

Tropical storm Chedza passed over the island nation on Friday and Saturday and is continuing in a southeast direction, according to satellite images published by NASA. The tropical storm may intensify as it crosses the Indian Ocean toward Africa’s southeastern coast.

The southern African countries of Mozambique and Malawi have been affected by flooding caused by heavy rains. At least 176 people have died and about 200,000 are displaced in Malawi, while dozens have died and thousands displaced in Mozambique.