Intense Cyclone Batsirai hits Madagascar: meteorologist

Cyclone Batsirai struck Madagascar's eastern region of Mananjary on Saturday bringing strong winds and heavy rain, the second storm to hit the island nation in just a few weeks, a senior meteorologist said.

"I confirm that Batsirai hit Mananjary at about 8 pm (1700GMT) local time," meteorologist Lovandrainy Ratovoharisoa told AFP by phone.