Vatomandry


Vatomandry is a city in and the administrative center of the Vatomandry District, Atsinanana Region, Madagascar. An airport serves the city.

Etymology and location

Located on the coast, the town's name means 'Sleeping Rocks', derived from two black rocks near the shore. It is also on the path of the Canal des Pangalanes and Route Nationale 11.

History

In the pre-colonial era of the 19th century, Vatomandry was a center of Hova government with an active port.
From 1935.06.18 it was the first seat of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Prefecture of Vatomandry until 1939.05.25, when it was promoted and renamed as Apostolic Vicariate of Tamatave, after its new see Tamatave.
Cyclone Manou caused great damage in 2003 to the town and left 68 people dead. Cyclone Giovanna in 2012 also caused significant damage.

Notable locals