JAYA: MADAGACAR'S SIXTH CYCLONE

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000321 SIPDIS SIPDIS AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA - SKHANDAGLE, KLUU, GGOTTLIEB, AFERRARA,CPRATT FOR DCHA/FFP/DP - SDOSHANJH, PNOVICK AFR/EA - OCOLE STATE FOR AF/E - MBEYZEROV CA/OCS/ACS/AF - RBRANSON PRETORIA USAID/OFDA/SARO - HHALE NAIROBI FOR USAID/EA/FFP - NESTES, DGORDON ROME FOR FODAG GENEVA FOR RMA, DHA, IFRC JOHANNESBURG FOR RCO MVEASY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID SENV PREL PGOV SOCI CASC MA SUBJECT: JAYA: MADAGACAR'S SIXTH CYCLONE ¶1. Tropical Cyclone Jaya made landfall on Madagascar's battered northeast coast on April 3, weakened as it crossed the north end of the island, then re-emerged into the Mozambique Channel on April 4. As of 1200 local time on April 4, the storm has largely dissipated, although it will be watched closely for any signs of regeneration. Official warnings issued by the local meteorology station for all districts have been lifted, although in some places significant rainfall and gusty winds persist. ¶2. The potential damage from the tropical storm will compound already severely affected areas of the northeast and northwest of Madagascar and will again ratchet up the need for immediate assistance and rehabilitation/recovery. ¶3. Both the National Relief Council (BNGRC) and the local meteorology department continue to track the system and coordinate with all donors and disaster relief partners to monitor the impact of the storm. Early reports, so far unconfirmed, cite three deaths from the storm but so far relatively modest wind damage to infrastructure. ¶4. The local Peace Corps office confirmed the status of one Volunteer who was known to be in the Maroantsetra area. Otherwise, there have been no reports of American Citizens in distress. ¶5. Post will provide updates on the status of the cyclone and its aftermath as the information becomes available. MCGEE