The term ‘Am-bohitra’ refers to the hill or village. Drawing from the dictionaries of Régis Rajemisa-Raolison (1985) and Abinal & Malzac (1888), Malagasy language offers a rich vocabulary to describe topography—from ‘tendrombohitra’ (mountains) to ‘lohasaha’ (valleys) and ‘tanety’ (hills).
The recent tragedy in Nepal, where nearly 1,000 people died and thousands remain missing due to floods and landslides, serves as a grim reminder of the risks of settling in vulnerable areas. The affected towns were located at the foot of the Himalayas, trapped between narrow mountain passes where glacial collapses triggered devastating floods.
The author reflects on the importance of traditional wisdom, noting that ancestors historically chose to settle on hills rather than in low-lying areas or rice paddies. In contrast, modern urban development in Madagascar—such as in Laniera, the ‘by-pass’ areas, and Ampefiloha—often ignores these geographical realities, leading to recurring seasonal flooding. The article serves as a poignant critique of modern construction practices that disregard the natural landscape and the wisdom of the past.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-02 05:39:09 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/am-bohitra.html