International Federation launches emergency appeal for 50,000 cyclone victims in Madagascar

from ReliefWeb

he International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an emergency appeal for one million Swiss francs (US$ 962,000 / € 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 ausing 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.

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