Madagascar has been hit by both physical and political cyclones over the last few weeks.  First came the news that two cyclones were bombarding the island from two different directions.  This event is heralding the beginning of the storm season for Madagascar.  Over the years this country has been devastated by multiple storms.  Fortunately, the immediate impact of the recent cyclones have been minimal with only around 20,000 people made homeless.  The long-term repercussions have the potential to be devastating.  The palm leaf and mud brick homes can often be rebuilt quickly but the decimation of crops can spell out starvation later in the year.
 
The political storm that has hit Madagascar over the last week seems to be a battle between Ravalomanana, the president of Madagascar, and Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital city, according to various reports from BBC and CNN news.  Demonstrations became violent causing the deaths of over 100 people across the nation and the destruction of many shops.  These are tense times for the Malagasy people as they grapple with the turbulent politics of a young democracy.

*Cyclone- The Indian Ocean equivalent of hurricane.