Madagascar: Cyclone Gretelle - Jan 1997

Cyclone Gretelle hit south-east Madagascar on 20-26 Jan 1997. It affected between 500,000 and 600,000 people, including 140 fatalities. Affected areas were the counties of Farafangana, Vohipeno, Vondrozo, Vangaindrano, Befotaka, and Midongy Sud, all in the region of Fianarantsoa. This region had not been hit by cyclones for 41 years and had a very limited disaster preparedness capacity. (UN DHA, 18 Feb 1997)