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Heavy rains since late last year have caused the region's worst floods in years, killing over 100 people, displacing hundreds of thousands, and damaging infrastructure across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Authorities warn of ongoing risks, including crocodile attacks and further flooding.
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Researchers from Oxford's Newrotex have developed a silk-based nerve repair technology using spider silk from Madagascar. Preliminary tests show promising results for treating nerve damage, potentially replacing current autograft procedures. Target commercial availability is set for 2027, pending further trials.
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In February 2026, Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern port city Toamasina with winds up to 270 km/h, killing at least 38 people, injuring hundreds, and displacing thousands. The cyclone destroyed 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure, leaving widespread flooding and power outages. Madagascar’s military leader declared a national disaster and called for international aid amid ongoing recovery efforts.
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Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar and Mozambique in February 2026, displacing over 16,000 people, damaging thousands of homes and schools, and causing injuries and fatalities. The storm follows recent disasters, stretching regional response efforts amid ongoing climate-related challenges.
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Recent studies reveal accelerating declines in bird populations linked to climate change and intensified agriculture, shifts in tropical plant flowering disrupting ecosystems, and urgent gaps in insect species discovery. Conservation efforts show promise in restoring endangered species' behaviors, while research into centenarians uncovers blood proteins tied to slower aging, highlighting intertwined environmental and biological challenges worldwide.
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Uchral Nyam-Osor was appointed Mongolia's new prime minister following the resignation of Zandanshatar Gombojav. The change follows weeks of political turmoil, opposition boycotts, and corruption allegations, raising concerns over government stability and foreign investment. Uchral aims to unify the government and stabilize the economy.
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African governments are taking steps to address fuel shortages and rising prices amid global tensions. Madagascar has declared a state of emergency, South Africa has cut fuel levies, Ethiopia has introduced rationing, and Senegal has restricted foreign travel for ministers. These actions respond to recent global disruptions affecting oil supplies.
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Madagascar has arrested several Gen Z activists following protests against the new military regime, raising concerns over freedoms. The regime, led by Col Michael Randrianirina, has faced youth discontent over lack of reforms, economic issues, and close ties to Russia. The arrests come amid ongoing protests and political instability.
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Taiwan's president has canceled a planned trip to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoke flight permits under Chinese pressure. China claims Taiwan as its province and has intensified efforts to isolate Taipei diplomatically, using economic coercion to influence regional overflight decisions. This marks the first time a Taiwanese president has had to cancel an overseas trip due to Chinese pressure.