The United States Provides Emergency Assistance to Cyclone and Flood Victims

March 26, 2007 - In response to damage caused by Cyclone Indlala on March 15, and the severe flooding throughout Madagascar, on March 23 U.S. Ambassador James D. McGee issued a disaster declaration; and the U.S. Government (USG) will immediately provide $100,000 in emergency assistance for the victims of these calamities. In the weeks ahead, the United States is preparing to increase this assistance to approximately $3,000,000 in food aid.

,From December 2006 to present, three-quarters of Madagascar had significantly more rainfall than average with some areas experiencing as much as five times the norm. Five cyclones during this same period have led to extensive flooding in areas throughout Madagascar. The flooding has resulted in temporary displacement, especially in urban areas, and extensive destruction of crops, largely rice, and agricultural infrastructure. Further, many communities throughout affected areas remain cut off from normal ground transportation, resulting in shortage of basic food and household items and rising prices. An estimated 317,000 people have been affected throughout the country.

Representatives from the USAID Food for Peace Office and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance collaborated with implementing partners to assess the situation throughout the country and found that flooding has caused widespread damage requiring humanitarian and recovery assistance in the entire eastern corridor, the northwest, and the Antananarivo areas of Madagascar. In addition, coping mechanisms and resources are insufficient to meet the growing needs of these regions.

In the immediate term, the U.S. government will provide $100,000. The USG plans to provide $50,000 to the World Food Program to support the rapid delivery of food aid assistance to victims of the critical floods and cyclone. Another $50,000 will be provided to immediately reestablish ground access to communities affected by Cyclone Indlala in order to facilitate the delivery of urgent relief supplies. The USG also plans to provide approximate $3 million dollars of food aid for communities in food insecure areas.

Beyond the immediate response, the USG will assess the situation when the flood waters recede; and, as needs are identified, consider support to agricultural rehabilitation and recovery. The USG will work with the Government of Madagascar to develop a long-term plan to mitigate flood damage and landslides due to the environmental degradation that exacerbates the impact of chronic cyclones.