Antananarivo (Fides Service) - The worst humanitarian tragedy in Madagascar in 20 years taking hundred of lives, affecting 774,000 people, 30,000 of whom in desperate need of food and emergency medical-care; 216,000 homeless; 117,000 hectares of seasonal crops under water. These are the consequences of the repeated and cross over passage of two cyclones which hit Madagascar last month.
The international Caritas network in connection with Caritas Madagascar, has undertaken a plan of intervention committing the sum of 522,000 Euro, which includes: food aid for 26,500 children and 13,500 adults, in 14 Dioceses affected out of 20; health aid for 18,750 people, thanks to the involvement of 36 dispensaries healthcare centres run by the local Catholic Church; support for rebuilding 430 homes and 237 schools in 12 Dioceses; economic support by distributing seed to 1,365 families. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2004; Righe: 11; Parole 147)