Madagascar: Cyclone Ivan and TS Jowke

The death toll in Madagascar from last month's Cyclone Ivan has risen to 93 people, while the total number of homeless is 332,391, a statement from the National Office for Disaster and Risk Management said. According to Reuters:

A tropical storm, Jokwe, hit briefly the north of the island on Wednesday, destroying 44 houses. The season's first cyclone, Cyclone Fame, killed at least 13 people.

Scientists say rising sea temperatures linked to climate change are likely to increase the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the tropics over the coming decades, and some suspect they have already.

Six cyclones struck Madagascar last year, killing at least a 150 people and destroying homes and crops in the island's worst season on record.

Comment: Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed U.S. capacity to respond and help our citizens. I hope the donor community can help poor Madagascar to deal with this years cyclones! JAD