Cyclones follow devastating drought in Madagascar

Mananjary district, about 530 kilometers from the capital city, Antananarivo, was one of the worst affected areas with nearly 95 percent of villages destroyed.

Madagascar was already dealing with the aftermath of tropical storm Ana, which hit further north two weeks ago. Both storms left over 100 people dead.

SOS Children’s Villages in Madagascar has no footprint in the region affected by Batsirai, except through the QUAPEM project, which is jointly run by actors in alternative care and child protection. Four centres are in Mananajary and two in Manakara.

“The buildings at the centres have had roofs blown away and windows shattered.  All the 621 children were evacuated to a secure shelter and are safe. The immediate challenge is access to food and water, which we are working to provide. We intend to support the children with basic needs for a period of four to six months. SOS Children’s Villages will also participate in the reconstruction of the centres as much as the funds will allow,” says Jean-Francios Lepetit, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages in Madagascar.