Disaster awareness project on the South East coast of Madagascar: Preparation for cyclones, tsunamis and flood
AGEF press release:
Madagascar, the fourth largest island worldwide is often subject to severe cyclones and tropical hurricanes in the period of time between January and April. The storms develop above the Indian Ocean and hit the densely populated East coast of the country fully-blown. The West and the South West regions of the coast are widely affected, too. 'Natural' disasters claim their victims every year, cause homelessness and extensive crop failure. The population, especially those living in the regions on the East coast of one of the poorest countries in the world, often have to helplessly face the elements.
Against this background the German non-governmental organization AGEF is working on a project entitled 'Disaster prevention for the coastal regions in South-Eastern Madagascar.' Preventive measures are taken in close coordination with the responsible Madagascan authorities (BNGRC and CPGU) as well as with further international non-governmental organizations.
There will be activities for disaster prevention and actions for building self-help capacities in the four municipalities of the district of Manakara from November 2009 to December 2010. Thus an important contribution will be made to the implementation of the Hyogo framework plan “Implementation of Hyogo Framework for Action“ and the National Strategy for Disaster and Risk Management.
The project focuses on families of poor village communities which are considered particularly vulnerable because of their living and income situation. They would not have any chance to improve their protection from 'natural' disasters without the support of such projects. Within trainings and simulation exercises the population of the target villages will be informed about 'natural' disasters and prepared for adequate behaviour in the event of disaster. In addition, a pilot project is planned for an improved use of social rooms as emergency assembly points which offer safe protection against storms, rain and floods. The Federal Foreign Office of Germany will fund the project within its activities in the field of humanitarian aid.