Madagascar should put politics aside in dealing with the destruction caused by cyclone Giovanna, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said on Wednesday.
“SADC's clarion call at this point is that the interim government, all political stakeholders, civil society and the nation at large put aside their political differences and firmly unite behind the victims,” it said in a statement.
“It is your patriotic duty to provide the necessary assistance and human solidarity to all victims at this critical time.”
The statement was issued on behalf of SADC by South African Deputy Minister of International Relations Marius Fransman.
He said SADC was concerned about the welfare of the victims.
“SADC expresses its sincere support and sympathy to all the victims of cyclone Giovanna and, in particular, the poor, women and children who are the worst affected during such natural disasters.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the German international news agency DPA reported that at least five people had died and 10 were missing after the category four storm hit Madagascar.
Hundreds of people had been left homeless after their houses - mostly made of bamboo and wood - were washed away in floods or blown down by wind exceeding 200km/h.
In some areas of the Indian Ocean island, more than half of the homes had been either destroyed or damaged.
The capital Antananarivo had suffered heavy damage to power lines, and many shops were closed. A clean-up process had begun. Schools across the country remained shut.
The United Nations said it was assessing the situation and would take humanitarian aid to those in need. - Sapa