The Federal Foreign Office is making available
some 70,000 euro from its humanitarian aid budget for victims of the tropical
cyclone "Elita". The German Embassy in Antananarivo will use
these funds to distribute goods such as foodstuffs and medicines to the
victims in cooperation with German and international relief agencies operating
on the ground. The rehabilitation of the water supply and damaged healthcare
facilities in the region will also be undertaken.
The tropical cyclone "Elita",
which had already laid waste to parts of the Mahajanga province in north-east
Madagascar in late January, returned at the beginning of February to wreak
further havoc. According to the Malagasy disaster council, some 40,000
people have been made homeless by the storms. Thousands of houses, as well
as hospitals and other public buildings have been destroyed. The Government
of the Republic of Madagascar has appealed to the international community
for emergency assistance.