Madagascar: Locusts - May 1997
Disaster description
The locust infestation in Madagascar spread from the southern dry zones to the midwest and northern more fertile regions, inflicting severe additional damage to staple crops and cattle pastures in normally locust free agricultural areas around the country. (Catholic Relief Services, 10 May 1998)
It was estimated that about one to two million hectares were infested by swarms and hopper bands. By the end of May, a rapid survey showed that the entire outbreak area of the south-west was still infested by fifth instar hopper bands and immature swarms. (FAO, 11 Oct 1997)