Madagascar: Cyclone Gretelle [DHA-01: 26-Jan-97]
Madagascar: Cyclone Gretelle [DHA-01: 26-Jan-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Madagascar-Cyclone Gretelle
DHA Situational Report No.1
26 January 1997
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE
SITUATION
1. An extremely powerful cyclone hit the south-eastern part
of Madagascar from the night of 24 over to 25 January 1997,
ravaging several counties in the region including the towns
of Vangaidrano, Vohipeno and Farafangana. Vangaidrano was
the hardest hit, where the maximum wind speed of more than
200 KM/H was recorded.
2. The Government reports preliminarily that 12 persons
have been killed, approximately 100 persons are missing,
and several thousand persons have been left homeless. A
large number of houses are reported to have been destroyed.
Further information on the damage is being collected.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
3. The Government held a National Relief Committee
emergency meeting, which was chaired by the Minister of
Interior, and was attended by the UN Resident Coordinator
to represent the donor community. The Committee decided to
organize on 27 January an assessment overflight to the
affected areas. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, UN
Resident Coordinator, and representatives of CARE
International and the Embassies of US and France are to
participate in the overflight. The team is expected to come
back to the capital in the afternoon of the same day.
4. The Vice Prime Minister has already flown to an affected
area on 26 January to facilitate the emergency provision of
rice. Some NGOs including Madagascar Red Cross have started
the process of transporting basic relief items.
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL
5. In view of limited means of response at its disposal,
the Government of Madagascar has launched an international
appeal for assistance. The Government has requested DHA to
address the needs of the population affected by this sudden
disaster, and to alert and mobilize the international
community.
NEEDS
6. Due to the destruction of the communication means,
details of the needs have not yet been identified. However,
needs in shelter items (blankets and tents) and medicaments
have been indicated. Upon return of the above-mentioned
assessment overflight, more specifics are expected to be
known.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
7. DHA has decided to release an Emergency Grant of USD 30,
000 as an initial contribution to address immediate needs.
Pending more information on the situation, the possibility
of a further contribution will be reviewed.
8. DHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash
contributions to be used during the immediate relief phase.
Funds are spent in coordination with relevant organizations
of the UN system, and DHA provides donor Governments with
written confirmation on utilizations of the funds
contributed.
9. Funds should be transferred to DHA account no. CO.590.
160.1 at Swiss Bank Corporation, Case Postale 2770, CH-1211
Geneva 2, with reference: Madagascar - Cyclone Gretelle.
10. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to
inform DHA Geneva, as indicated below, of bilateral relief
missions/ pledges/ contributions and their corresponding
values by item.
Telephone number: +41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: +41-22-917-2010
Desk Officer: Ms. Kayoko Gotoh, direct tel: +41-22-917-1258
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo
direct tel: +41-22-917-2856
Telex: 41 42 42 dha ch
Fax: +41-22-917-0023
E-Mail: dha gva@un.org
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