Amount of Decision: Euro 2,000,000
Decision reference number: ECHO/MDG/BUD/2004/01000
Explanatory Memorandum
1 - Rationale, needs and target population.
1.1. - Rationale:
On 7 March 2004, at a time of high tide amplified by a full moon, tropical Cyclone Gafilo hit North-East Madagascar near the city of Antalaha, at a speed of 120 Km per hour. There are reports of some winds reaching speeds of 200-300 Km per hour. The cyclone then crossed the northern part of the island and entered the Mozambique Channel near the town of Mahajanga on 8 March. It returned on 9 March close to Morondava, a town on the South- West coast, crossed the southern tip of the island, and was reduced to a tropical storm by the time it reached Tolanaro in the South-East. The most serious damage was caused by the wind, whilst the most extensive damage was caused by the flooding resulting from the cyclone. This occurred before Madagascar had had time to recover from Cyclone Elita, which caused considerable damage to several of its provinces between 26 January and 4 February 2004. The Government of Madagascar declared an emergency and appealed for international assistance on 8 March 2004.
It is impossible to provide precise statistics on the damage caused at this stage, since many areas are inaccessible. However, an ECHO mission arrived in Madagascar on 8 March and, assisted by the EC Delegation, the Government of Madagascar and some ECHO partners, undertook several assessment surveys. Some areas could only be assessed from the air. Clearly, there is major damage to infrastructure and to agriculture, although loss of lives seems limited, with shipwrecks being the biggest cause.