The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an emergency appeal for one million Swiss francs (US$ 962,000 / euro 633,000) to support Malagasy Red Cross in its response to cyclone Ivan which severely hit Madagascar on 17 February, killing at least 84 people and affecting more than 322,000.
“We immediately mobilized our volunteers and staff as soon as the cyclone alert was raised and we have been bringing emergency assistance since then,” explained Mr Ratsimbazafy Fanja Nantenaina, secretary general of the Malagasy Red Cross Society. “However, cyclone Ivan brought violent winds of up to 230 kilometres per hour also causing severe flooding and damages to crops, houses and buildings so there is a need to urgently bring extra relief to affected communities,” he added.
Approximately 50,000 people will benefit from the appeal over the next six months in the regions of Sofia, Boeny and Menabé. More than 360 volunteers will be mobilized to distribute emergency items such as 10,000 kitchen sets, hygiene kits and mosquito nets. They will also carry out health and hygiene education campaigns to limit the health consequences of the crisis.
“One of the most affected area is the Alaotra Mangoro, traditionally know as the breadbasket of Madagascar, where tens of thousands of hectares of crops have been washed away,” says John Roche, the International Federation’s operations coordinator covering the Indian Ocean region in Geneva. “Cyclone Ivan also hit just 19 days after Fame, another powerful cyclone, had already brought major destruction so we need to continue to closely monitor the situation on the island in the coming weeks,” he adds.
The Malagasy Red Cross is also working closely with the French Red Cross regional intervention platform (PIROI) which brought essential emergency supplies in the north-eastern part of the country. Red Cross volunteers are also involved in water and sanitation activities such as cleaning wells in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Amparafaravola, Morondava, Soanierana Ivongo and Atananarivo districts.
On 27 February, the International Federation released 108,000 Swiss francs (US$ 97,000 / euro 65,000) from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to cover immediate needs.