Ottawa, Ontario―Canada is providing emergency life-saving assistance to people in Madagascar affected by tropical cyclone Haruna, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation. Over the next four months approximately 10,000 people will receive access to temporary shelters, emergency medical support, and water and sanitation.
"Canada is working to ensure that humanitarian support is available to those in need," said Minister Fantino. "Emergency needs are being met to help alleviate the suffering of the people affected in Madagascar."
Tropical cyclone Haruna hit the southern tip of Madagascar on February 22, 2013, causing widespread flooding and destruction of local infrastructure, homes and public buildings. More than 22,500 people have been affected, with numbers expected to increase. Approximately 10,000 people are now without homes and, according to United Nations reports, more than 20 people have died.
The Harper Government will continue to monitor the situation to ensure humanitarian needs are met and to provide further assistance, as appropriate.
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For more information, media should contact:
Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca
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Backgrounder
Canada responds to tropical cyclone Haruna
Tropical cyclone Haruna hit the southwestern tip of Madagascar as a category 2 storm (with wind speeds of 154─177 km/hr) on February 22, 2013; it then passed back into the Indian Ocean via the southeastern coast of the country on February 23. Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and destroyed infrastructure, homes and public buildings. According to Government of Madagascar and United Nations reports, 23 people have died, 81 were injured, at least 10,000 are homeless, and more than 22,500 people have been affected. These numbers are expected to increase over the coming days.
On March 1, 2013, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched a disaster relief emergency fund operation to support the Malagasy Red Cross Society in providing immediate assistance to approximately 10,000 beneficiaries (2,000 households) for four months. The operation will focus on the provision of temporary shelter, emergency medical support, and water and sanitation. Through an ongoing CIDA‑funded project with the Canadian Red Cross Society (EDAF - Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund) CIDA has allocated a $30,000‑contribution towards this operation.