Madagascar cyclone emergency

21 February 2012

Cyclone Giovanna has devastated people's lives in Madagascar. Please help Y Care International to support Madagascar YMCA to provide emergency supplies as quickly as possible.

Over 260,000 people have been affected in Madagascar by Cyclone Giovanna, a category-four tropical storm, which hit the eastern coast of the country on 14 February.

Delivery of aid to families after a cyclone in Madagascar

ACT

The island experienced flooding and high wind speeds of 185 km per hour, destroying homes and displacing over 150,000 people. 25 people have been reported dead and 90 injured. Schools, roads, agricultural fields, and water pumps have been damaged, resulting in a lack of food supply and drinking water.

Nirina Rakotomalala, National General Secretary of Madagascar YMCA, describes the situation: "Communities are in distress as they have already been going through the lean season between harvests... famine and epidemics are feared. We urgently need assistance to alleviate the suffering.”

Emergency assistance is needed to help those who have been affected by the cyclone. Y Care International is working to support our partner, Madagascar YMCA, to provide emergency relief. Food and other basic necessities such as blankets are being distributed to affected families. Rural communities will be supported to resume their livelihoods through the distribution of seeds and fertilisers. Health education activities will contribute to reducing the spread of disease.

As part of our commitment to disaster risk reduction, Y Care International will be supporting Madagascar YMCA to initiate disaster preparedness activities in affected areas. This will help communities to better prepare for, and reduce the impact of, future natural hazards.

To donate to the relief effort in Madagascar, please fill in the form below, or contact our Fundraising Team on 020 7549 3175.

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