Deadly cyclone hits northern Madagascar

A cyclone that hit northern Madagascar on Wednesday has left at least six people dead and forced 2,000 out of their homes.

Local news reports say that “flooding caused significant damage” with roads and bridges affected.

The AFP news agency, citing the disaster management authority (BNGRC), puts the death toll from cyclone Gamane at 11.

It reports that six of the victims drowned, while the others died after being hit by falling trees or collapsing houses.

"It's rare to have a cyclone like this. Its movement is nearly stationary," Gen Elack Andriakaja, BNGRC director-general is quoted by AFP as saying.

"When the system stops in one place, it devastates all the infrastructure. And that has serious consequences for the population. And significant flooding.”