World Insurance Report
Natural catastrophes
20.2, tropical cyclone Ivan
Mozambique: tropical cyclone “Ivan” had been downgraded to a tropical storm as it headed for flood-ravaged Mozambique after
killing 60 people on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, where it reportedly flattened a hotel. The tourist paradise of
Sainte Marie island off Madagascar was the worst-hit area as the cyclone slammed into the east coast at wind speeds of more
than 230 km per hour. Nine people were killed on Sainte Marie and 90% of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed, including
the hotel, which collapsed in the storm. A further two deaths were reported in Fenerive Est district, also in the east part
of the island. All flights to the island were suspended during the storm and several areas were without electricity. “Ivan”
was expected to hit central Mozambique where accompanying rains could exacerbate the heaviest flooding in the flood-prone
country in many years caused by torrential seasonal rains. Around 100,000 people were evacuated to higher ground from four
main river valleys in the former Portuguese colony.