Cyclone Batsirai's rains bring temporary relief to Madagascan water seller

Local resident Masy carries an empty water canister in Sampona commune, Madagascar, February 11, 2022. Picture taken February 11, 2022. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

SAMPONA COMMUNE, MADAGASCAR (Reuters) - Standing at the side of a highway in the south of Madagascar, 25-year-old water seller Masy is grateful for the heavy rains that fell last week when Cyclone Batsirai hit.

Sampona Commune, where Masy lives with her five children, is in a region that has suffered a severe and prolonged drought and the sudden precipitation means she can sell more water to drivers heading to the city of Ambovombe.