AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - In the wake of the cyclone Haruna

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Sarodrano (Agenzia Fides) - About 50,000 people were seriously damaged by the cyclone Haruna that, for several days, brought torrential rains on the west coast of Madagascar. The floods ceased completely in May, finally allowing the last displaced families to return home. Various humanitarian organizations have contributed to the recovery of the Country, in addition to the local group of international NGO Action Contre la Faim (ACF), the Ministry of Health and Médecin Sans Frontières (MSF) and have completed their programs of assistance. CARE International has so far managed to assist 11,000 families in the affected region, but due to lack of funds, aid will probably be suspended at the end of October. The reduction in funding has been attributed to the fact that Haruna has not been classified as a devastating cyclone compared to others and the attention of donors is currently focused on countries like Mali and Syria. But every cyclone is different. Some cause damage to crops, homes and other lead to floods. In Madagascar it is a fairly common phenomenon, and about 60 % of the storms that form over the Indian Ocean affect the Country every year. A more substantial prevention would result in faster recovery operations. CARE has developed an extensive program for the cyclone season, which generally goes from November to March. However, the program typically focuses on the east coast. The storms that hit the west coast of Madagascar, such as Haruna, are seen as an uncommon event. In some areas of the east coast people do not have the resources to recover from a hurricane, especially when it is experienced every year. The country becomes poorer and poorer and people are forced to sell their belongings and in the end have difficulty getting their daily food. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 10/10/2013)


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