Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 05-07-2009
Beginning in late March 2009, weeks of heavy rain caused widespread flooding in 41 villages on the islands of Grand Comoros, Anjouan, and Moheli. According to the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), assessment data indicated that the floods affected more than 100,000 people, resulted in two deaths, and damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water and sanitation systems. On April 29, OCHA noted concern regarding the potential spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases as a result of contaminated water supplies and overflowing latrines. In late April, the Government of the Union of the Comoros declared a disaster and requested international assistance.
On May 7, 2009, U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros R. Niels Marquardt declared a disaster due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Madagascar to the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for water, sanitation, and hygiene activities to benefit displaced and flood-affected populations.
Additional Disaster Declaration:
Complex Emergency, 03-31-2008
On March 25, a joint attack on the island of Anjouan by the Union of the Comoros Government and African Union forces to remove separatist President Mohamed Bacar led to the collapse of civilian administration and the disruption of basic services and imports. Months of difficult conditions under Bacar and recent insecurity exacerbated high commodity and fuel prices, increasing food security concerns. Reports indicated no casualties or displacement resulting from the invasion. However, a March 12 assessment by the Comoros Red Crescent identified an estimated 208 internally displaced persons who had fled to neighboring islands between December 2007 and February 2008 in anticipation of fighting.
On March 31, 2008, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros R. Niels Marquardt declared a disaster due to effects of the complex emergency. In response, OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Madagascar to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for transportation and logistical support to facilitate the provision of emergency relief supplies.
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