$50,000 from the US for cyclone Bingiza affected people in Madagascar

Antananarivo - In response to the damage caused by Cyclone Bingiza, which hit Madagascar on February 14th, Charge d’Affaires a.i., Eric W. Stromayer requested an initial $50,000 (approximately 100 million Ariary) of disaster relief assistance for the affected populations which will open the way to further assistance if deemed necessary. The relief funds will be used by CARE, in collaboration with Medair, for road rehabilitation, and the distribution of plastic sheeting and disaster relief supplies in the Sava and Analanjirofo regions. The United States is working closely with its partners to further assess damages and needs in the southeast and will provide additional assistance if warranted. The United States stands by the people of Madagascar and extends our condolences to those affected by Cyclone Bingiza.

“The US Embassy Disaster Relief Officer flew over part of the affected zones to assess the scope of the damage in the northeast and determine the needs of the local population,” explained Charge d’Affaires M. Stromayer. “The US is pleased to provide this immediate, targeted assistance.”

As of February 22, the Madagascar National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reported that the cyclone had affected 100,000 people, caused 20 deaths, displaced more than 23,000 people, and damaged or destroyed over 23,000 houses and flooded or destroyed approximately 39,000 hectares of rice fields throughout Madagascar. Humanitarian agencies have reported that damage to transportation infrastructure may hamper the delivery of emergency relief supplies and market access, particularly in remote areas.

The U.S. Government response to Cyclone Bingiza is consistent with the commitment of the American people to providing assistance to the most vulnerable in Madagascar. This year, USAID is providing over $85 million of assistance to the Malagasy people with programs that include investments in health, food security, and water and sanitation.