A danger warning has been issued in Madagascar as the country prepares for the arrival of ‘intense’ tropical cyclone Freddy.

The cyclone is forecasted to hit the east coast near Mananjara at around 9pm on Tuesday (21 February).

The danger warning is for all coastal districts between Toamasina and Farafangana and inland for the regions of Vakinankaratra and Haute Matsiatra.

Very strong winds, high waves, heavy rain, coastal surges and flooding are expected, the Foreign Office said.

It added: “Intense Tropical Cyclone Freddy is forecast to make landfall on the east coast of Madagascar, near Mananjara, at around 9pm on Tuesday.

“You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow alerts and instructions from the local authorities.”

A number of flights to and from Mauritius, which is around 1,130 kilometres east of Madagascar, have been grounded.