Disaster Relief for Madagascar Post Cyclone Enawo

Donors and supporters,

We are humbled by the outpouring of love and support for Madagascar during this critical time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!  There is much to do. 

The first situation reports were released this week by the Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes (BNGRC) (the Malagasy National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management). Their reports highlight severe damage to the Sava region, where Cyclone Enawo made a direct hit and caused extensive wind and water damage to homes and infrastructure. Aerial surveys indicate that the most severe flooding took place in the Maroantsetra district, where 80% of the rice fields were flooded and 40% of the people displaced. Statistics on displaced people continue to rise as rural communities are contacted one by one. Cyclone Enawo traveled the entire length of the island and exited to the south, affecting communities across Madagascar. 

The response is already under way. The BNGRC as well as CARE, FAO, OCHA, Madagascar Red Cross, MEDAIR, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and WHO are working together to get aid into the areas that need it most, with some organizations having greater capacity in certain areas than others. CPALI will work with these groups to try to increase the scope and capacity of the response in Maroantsetra and surrounding areas in order to meet the need. We targeted three main areas that we want to support: 

1) First and foremost, potable water - Medair is already very responsive in that area, especially in Maraontsetra so we will assist them with their effort in every way we can. They are providing WASH kits for immediate use, cleaning wells and installing hand-pumps to prevent future contamination events. To meet the immediate need, CPALI will contribute our first $3000 towards 150 wash kits ($20 each) and any logistical support we can offer. 

2) Food security - with rice fields badly flooded, especially in Maroantsetra, food security is already a growing concern.  The BNGRC reported that although they have already distributed 250 tons of rice and 125 tons of vegetables across the country, the need remains enormous.  The country President visited Maroantsetra during the first few days after the cyclone and distributed 10 cups of rice to each family to meet immediate need, but 10 cups of rice only feeds a family for a day or two at most. SEPALI director Mamy Ratsimbazafy reported that the markets are nearly empty and food is an immediate and growing concern. CPALI is looking to the WFP and partners to assist with emergency food shipments and restocking seed stores. CPALI will contribute the next round of funds to food security in Maroantsetra and replacing seed stocks. 

3) Health and education materials for children with UNICEF - Flooding destroyed many paper products including notebooks and materials that children used for school, which many families cannot afford to replace. SEPALI will work with WCS and UNICEF to try to get kids back into school as quickly as possible. 

In addition, CPALI will sell off all remaining silk stock in the US and donate 50% to disaster relief funds. The other 50% will go towards training programs for artisans and providing livelihoods to get people back on their feet.  

We are extremely grateful to all of you who have already given so much. Please pass this project along to friends and family as the need is still great across Madagascar and we have the rare ability to make an immediate and live-saving difference in the lives of so many!

All the best to you and yours and to Madagascar, 

CPALI Team