ANTANANARIVO: At least six people perished in a tropical storm that battered Madagascar over the past two days, affecting almost 80,000 residents, according to an official toll published on Sunday.

Local radio said as many as 13 people may have died, including two in Antananarivo, capital of the Indian Ocean island.

Tropical storm Chedza swept through Madagascar on Friday and Saturday, adding to the country’s woes after the government resigned last week in the face of violent protests over recurring power blackouts.

A meteorological report warned that there was still a danger of flooding in certain areas around Antananarivo.

Two people died earlier this month when angry residents took to the streets to protest rolling power blackouts.

Published in Dawn January 19th , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play