The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Antananarivo

Cyclone Ivan has killed 83 people and left almost 200,000 homeless after tearing through Madagascar last week, officials said on Friday.

Ivan pelted the Indian Ocean island's east coast with winds of more than 125 mph (200 kph) early last week, making it one of the largest cyclones ever to hit Madagascar.

"The latest toll states that 83 deaths are registered all over the country," said Colonel Jean Rakotomalala, head of the National Office for Disaster and Risk Management (BNGRC).