Cyclone makes landfall

Tropical Cyclone Fanele made landfall on Madagascar's west coast on 21 January 2009. The National Office for Disaster Preparedness reported that the cyclone struck the western Morondava region, destroying approximately 80 percent of homes in the area and cutting water and electricity supplies. Approximately 3,000 people have been made homeless and are currently being sheltered in schools, churches, the local hospital and Red Cross facilities. Official casualty statistics have not yet been released, but reports indicate that at least one person was killed and more than 25 were injured when the cyclone hit the coast with wind gusts reaching 161 mph/140 kt. Many public buildings, including schools and office buildings, also sustained extensive damage, while most of the region remains flooded. Fanele weakened in intensity as it passed over Madagascar before heading back toward the Indian Ocean on 22 January.