Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - The passing of the cyclone “Fame,” on January 27, followed by that of cyclone “Ivan,” on February 17, have caused serious damages in various parts of Madagascar. According to local Church sources, in contact with Agenzia Fides, “Fame” has affected several towns in the Melaky region, in the diocese of Mahajanga, on the western side of the “Gran Ile.” Sources mentioned the city of Besalampy, in particular, where 98% of the city has been destroyed.
“Ivan,” on the other hand, has left a path of destruction on the eastern seaboard, leaving parts of the Sainte Marie island and the Analanjirofo region (in the diocese of Fenoarivo, Atsinanana, and Toamasina) devastated. Many bridges and motorways have been blocked. “Ivan,” with a radius of 500km, tore through the entire country, from east to west, resulting in flooding that has left entire regions isolated.
On February 25th, the Ministers’ Council issued a public statement on the assessment of damages from the two cyclones: 57 dead, 17 missing, 480 wounded, 144,905 homeless, 222,365 with damages, 15, 880 acres of rice crop under water, and 16, 306 damaged infrastructures.
In light of the gravity of the damages, the government has launched an appeal to the international community. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 29/2/2008, righe 17, parole 205)
