Cyclone Batsirai poses ‘serious threat to millions’ in Madagascar

Residents brace for powerful winds and torrential rains forecast to hit east of Indian Ocean island on Saturday

Cyclone Batsirai was expected to reach eastern Madagascar on Saturday, posing a very serious threat" to millions with powerful winds and torrential rains set to batter the large Indian Ocean island.

Residents hunkered down before the storm's arrival and winds of more than 124mph (200km/h) were forecast as it bore down on the country still recovering from the deadly Tropical Storm Ana in late January.