update on Cyclone Ivan

The cyclone did end up hitting Madagascar yesterday morning. I'm not sure the extent of the damage at this point, but from the satelite images I've seen, it looks to have gone straight through my region. I've spoken to people back home in the village and they describe depressing scenes. My backyard seems to have been destroyed... all the trees I've planted have been uprooted... My shower and latrine have blown away. Somehow my house made out okay, but my next door neighbor was not so lucky. She's living in my house until they can repair the damage. I'm not sure about the road yet either.

That's Madagascar underneath the big tropical cyclone there. It's barely visible, but we're okay down there. Don't worry about us...

I'm still planning to go on the train ride to the southeast this coming weekend. Hopefully the weather will have cleared up by then.

Alright, anyway, just a quick update today. I know cyclones in Madagascar don't make the news in the states. The storm has calmed down since yesterday. It's still really windy and rainy, but nothing like yesterday.
I'll check in again next week after the train ride from Fianar to Manakara!