14 killed, thousands displaced by Madagascar tropical storm

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14 killed, thousands displaced by Madagascar tropical storm
People walk in water after Cyclone Chedza hits Madagascar, in Antananarivo, on January 18, 2015. Credit: Alain Iloiniaina/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

At least 14 people were killed over the weekend when the island nation of Madagascar was battered by a tropical storm, officials said Monday.

Tropical storm Chedza has displaced more than 36,000 Madagascans, said the National Office of Risk and Catastrophe Management. Most of the deaths were a result of landslides caused by heavy rain and building collapses as strong winds tore roofs from houses.

Flooding was especially severe in the capital Antananarivo, where more than 30,000 people have been displaced, said the national office. The Madagascan government has set up temporary shelters in schools and other public buildings to house those forced from their homes.

Tropical storm Chedza passed over the island nation on Friday and Saturday and is continuing in a southeast direction, according to satellite images published by NASA. The tropical storm may intensify as it crosses the Indian Ocean toward Africa's southeastern coast.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

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