Agenzia Fides

Moramanga (Agenzia Fides) - The meeting of the Council of Priests of the Diocese of Moramanga ended yesterday, March 22, during which the pastors of the eight district missionaries of the diocese reported the latest news about the damage caused by the passage of two cyclones, Giovanna and Irina, which recently devastated the country (see Fides 14,16,17,20/02/2012). Even Pope Benedict XVI had launched an appeal for Madagascar at the Angelus on Sunday, March 11 (see Fides 12,13/03/2012). Mgr. Gaetano Di Pierro, Bishop of Moramanga, says to Fides that the overall picture reports 8 deaths, 1009 people affected, 809 huts destroyed (the majority of the population lives in the forest huts, some with tin roofs), 14 schools destroyed, 42 churches were destroyed or badly damaged, 3 mission dispensaries damaged, 80% of various kinds of crops destroyed. "We have assessed the damages and this is the result" said the Bishop. "There would be need for sheet metal roofs. The cost of a sheet is 10 euros: a quarter of the monthly salary of one wage earner. At least 500 kg of seeds of rice, 200 kg of maize, 200 kg of legumes are required. This would be enough food for three months, at least until the next harvest, for about fifty families - continues the Bishop -. Also essential medicines for malaria and intestinal diseases are needed. "Monsignor Di Pierro concluded by thanking all the friends who have prayed for the people of his " beautiful country" Madagascar. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2012)