At least 26 killed in torrential rains in Madagascar

In Madagascar, at least 26 people have died following almost a week of torrential rain in the north-west of the island.

The National Bureau of Disaster Risk Management today announced that flooding in Mitsinjo and Maevatanana districts has claimed at least 26 lives since Sunday.

It said, 15 others are still missing and thousands have been displaced.

Strips of road were swept away by the rain and access to affected areas has been cut off.

The tropical Indian Ocean nation is in the midst of an intense six-month rainy season that often leads to casualties and widespread damage.