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