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Southern Africa has been hit by flooding that has left more than 70 people dead across the region in the wake of Tropical Storm Ana. The region has suffered power cuts and widespread destruction of buildings, and some places have been declared disaster zones. Heavy rain and thunderstorms have continued to hit some areas even after the storm's passage, contributing to the flooding. Madagascar has seen at least 48 deaths and 130,000 people have been forced to flee their homes to makeshift shelters. The Madagascan environment minister, Dr Vahinala Raharinirina, says that Madagascar is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and although the country has always faced seasonal storms and cyclones, these are becoming progressively more severe. There is a second cyclone already approaching the east coast of her country, and this could hit in five or six days, with winds predicted to be over 200 miles per hour. "Madagascar vulnerable to effects of climate change - a few weeks ago we had a drought, now we are facing cyclones." Photo: A woman looks for her belongings after the Tropical Storm Ana hit Mozambique Credit: EPA
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