OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Madagascar - Tropical Cyclone Hary
12 March 2002


This message is not an official hurricane warning or alert for any
country.

This report is based on information provided by the UN Resident
Coordinator's Office in Madagascar.

Situation

1.  From 9 to 11 March 2001, Tropical Cyclone Hary tracked southward,
along the north-east coast of Madagascar, brought heavy rains with strong
winds (up to 300km per hour), affecting the areas from Antalaha,
Sainte-Marie Island and Toamasina.  Cyclone Hary continued to track
southeastward and is now situated southwest of La Reunion Island, near
23.5 S and 53.1E.  Atmospheric conditions have now improved on the east
coast of Madagascar.

2.  Three National United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) based in Antalaha,
Maroantsetra and Fenerive Est reported the results of preliminary
assessments:

District of Antalaha: No major damage has been reported in the city.  One
death due to electrocution has been recorded.  Two bridges on the road
heading toward Cap Est, in the south of Antalaha, have been destroyed.
The airport in Antalaha is open.

District of Maroantsetra:  No substantive damage has been reported inside
the city.  To avoid a risk of flooding, people are being evacuated from
low-lying areas.

District of Fenerive Est: No damage has been reported inside the city.
The road to Toamasina remains cut, due to removal of two bridges.



National Response

3.  No state of emergency has been declared for this disaster and the
Government of Madagascar has not made any request for international
assistance.

4.  The UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Madagascar continues to gather
information through national UNVs in the affected areas.

5.  OCHA remains in contact with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in
Madagascar, and will revert with further information when available.

6.  This situation report, together with information on other ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. J. McGoldrick / Ms. Yasuko Sawada / Ms. Heidi Kuttab
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 17 12 / 1768 / 3194

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 56
  (NYC)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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