At least three people have died and nearly 30,000 have been affected by flooding in Madagascar due to Cyclone Fytia, which struck over the weekend. Meanwhile, Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt for a limited number of Palestinians, as diplomatic efforts to stabilize the ongoing conflict continue.

Cyclone Fytia Hits Madagascar
Tropical Cyclone Fytia formed in the northern Mozambique Channel on Thursday and made landfall in Madagascar on Saturday. The storm brought heavy rainfall, with totals reaching around 150mm in the hardest-hit areas, leading to significant flooding and landslides. The national bureau for disaster risk management in Madagascar reported three fatalities and that 28,368 people are currently affected. Authorities issued red alerts, warning of imminent danger, and advised mariners to seek shelter due to rough sea conditions. The cyclone has since weakened to a tropical storm but is expected to cause ongoing disruptions, including travel delays and school closures.

Eastern Europe Faces Extreme Cold
In a separate weather event, eastern Europe is bracing for an even colder week, with temperatures expected to plunge below -30C in countries like Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. High pressure over eastern Scandinavia combined with low pressure over western Russia is driving this extreme cold, with forecasts indicating daytime highs in negative double digits. The persistent snow cover in the region is contributing to the drastic temperature drop, reflecting solar radiation and cooling the air above.

Limited Reopening of Rafah Border Crossing
In Gaza, the Rafah border crossing has been reopened by Israel for limited pedestrian movement amid ongoing humanitarian concerns. This crossing is Gaza's only access point not controlled by Israel, and its closure had cut off vital medical care and travel for Palestinians. Initially, only 50 individuals will be allowed to cross in each direction daily, subject to security screenings by Israeli and Egyptian authorities. Thousands of Palestinians are awaiting medical evacuation, with the World Health Organization reporting that 900 people have died while waiting for permission to leave.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The reopening of the Rafah crossing offers a glimmer of hope for families separated by the conflict, but many are still in desperate situations. Reports indicate that over 20,000 patients are waiting for treatment, including 11,000 cancer patients. The health system in Gaza has been severely impacted by ongoing Israeli airstrikes, leading to a lack of resources and operational capacity in medical facilities. Personal stories highlight the urgency, such as that of Tamer al-Burai, who is pleading for help to save his life, and Dalia Abu Kashef, who tragically died while waiting for a liver transplant.

Wrap-up
The dual crises of Cyclone Fytia in Madagascar and the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing underscore the ongoing challenges faced by regions grappling with natural disasters and humanitarian conflicts. As Madagascar deals with the aftermath of the cyclone, Gaza's residents continue to navigate a dire healthcare crisis amid political turmoil.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team