Link to article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/08/world/africa/madagascar-cyclone-batsirai.html
Summary: Recently, Cyclone Batsirai, the second storm to hit Madagascar within a month, devastated the island nation. This storm killed more than 20 people and left tens of thousands without homes. This storm hit the southeast side of the Island on Friday, damaging numerous coastal towns and villages before moving inland and flooding crops. It then spun off the island from the west coast which caused flash floods in the desert areas of Madagascar. Relief workers are already working to help the most heavily affected areas. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund more than 60,000 people are known to have been displaced across the nation. In recent years the climate pattern in the southern Indian Ocean has changed and areas such as the one hit by the storm in Madagascar are unaccustomed to storms and are unprepared for them causing more damage and death.
Analysis: Madagascar has been hit very heavily by natural disasters the past month. Starting with tropical storm Ana which left more than 70 dead in total, 55 of which were in Madagascar. Following the horrific tropical storm, just a mere 3 weeks later Madagascar was hit once again by Cyclone Batsirai. The UN and other International Organizations such as the Red cross should deploy help to not only Madagascar but also other countries affected by these storms. Other countries should also give Madagascar funds to rebuild infrastructure. Something to be wary of as Madagascar rebuilds is China’s attempts to gain a greater control over Africa and as Madagascar is rebuilding it’s a perfect chance for China to introduce itself and become an influence over Madagascar as well.
How this relates to class: This shows how international organizations react and respond to crises. Since the storm the UN has deployed relief workers as soon as possible to help those in the most need. It’s also safe to assume that soon the Red Cross will also be there to assist and give out care packages. There’s also the issue of how Madagascar will rebuild. It’s unlikely that Madagascar has the fund to rebuild by themselves so there’s a chance that a larger country like China or the US will have to assist them and given the position in the Indian Ocean that Madagascar has it’s unlikely that the US or China will want the other to have major influence in Madagascar.