Madagascar: Cyclone Gretelle [DHA-02: 28-Jan-97]
Madagascar: Cyclone Gretelle [DHA-02: 28-Jan-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Madagascar-Cyclone Gretelle
DHA Situation Report No. 2
28 January 1997
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE
SITUATION
1. The UN Resident Coordinator in Antananarivo reports
that a donor meeting was organized this morning by the
Malagasy Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which an emergency
situation, caused by Cyclone Gretelle, was declared and a
call for international assistance was reiterated.
2. According to the Government report, Cyclone Gretelle
passed through the southeastern part of Madagascar on 20-26
January, at the speed of 220 km per hour. Rains had fallen
intermittently in this area since earlier in the year,
especially after the passage of Cyclone Fabriola on 3-8
January. Further affected by torrential rains caused by
Cyclone Gretelle, the entire southern part of the country
is now declared by the Government as the disaster affected
area.
3. The Government's preliminary estimates indicate a
total of 13 deaths (2 in Manakara, 3 in Farafangana, 6 in
Vangaindrano, and 2 in Vohipeno) and 100 persons missing in
Vangaindrano. 32,566 persons are reported to be affected
(3,566 in Manakara and 29,000 in Farafangana). About ten
persons were injured in Farafangana, and 6 in Manakara.
4. Cyclone Gretelle damaged thousands of hectares of
crops as well as infrastructure (roads, telephone links,
electricity, and water stations). Heavy damage was also
caused to houses and buildings. In Vondrozo, 95 percent of
houses and buildings have been destroyed. In Manakara, 666
houses were damaged, and 872 destroyed. In Farafangana, 53
percent of private buildings were damaged (including 45
percent destroyed), as well as 90 percent of administrative
buildings. In southern Midongy and Vangaindrano, nearly
all buildings were destroyed.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
5. The Government-appointed National Relief Committee
(NRC) is coordinating relief activities with the Ministries
of Interior and Foreign Affairs as well as with the
international community present in Madagascar. On 27
January, NRC organized an assessment over-flight to the
affected area, in which UNDP/DHA participated, together
with other donor representatives.
6. Assistance provided so far by the Government
include: rice, iron sheets and nails, and the re-
establishment of telephone links with Manakara.
7. The Government organized a televised fund-raising
event on 27 January, which resulted in more than 130
million FMG (approximately USD 30,000), primarily from
Malagasy individuals.
8. Center of operations will be established in the town
of Farafangana.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
9. In addition to DHA's emergency grant of USD 30,000,
the UN Resident Coordinator informs that pledges, or
commitments for funding, have been announced so far by: the
Governments of Germany, Japan, France, the United Kingdom
(USD 100,000), Switzerland, and the United States (USD 25,
000, as well as 500 tons of food), as well as UNICEF, WFP,
UNDP, MSF France, and CARE International.
10. Relief items are reported to be provided by the
following organizations: MSF France, CARE International,
UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, ADRA, Malagasy Red Cross, and the
Government of France.
11. UNICEF, together with some NGOs, is providing food,
medicines, and other basic relief materials. WFP has
offered to assist the Government in food distribution.
12. France has sent to Farafangana, from Reunion, a
Transall transport plane with one helicopter and a team of
relief experts (doctors, engineers, firemen, and
journalists).
ASSISTANCE NEEDS
13. The Government's preliminary report indicates
immediate relief needs to be rice, pharmaceutical products,
blankets, corrugated iron sheets, nails, and other basic
construction materials. Also indicated are assistance
needs for reparation and rehabilitation of damaged socio-
economic infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals,
churches, and administrative buildings). Further details
on the requirements shall be provided as soon as available.
14. A joint evaluation team (composed of the Government/
NRC, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, USAID, CARE, MSF, Malagasy Red
Cross) is expected to leave shortly for Farafangana, and
the results of its assessments are expected by 4 February.
A second in-depth evaluation is scheduled to take place in
the following weeks.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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. Kayo 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: dhagva@unicc.org
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