Madagascar appeals for $242 mln to fix storm damage
Source: Reuters
By Fanja Saholiarisoa ANTANANARIVO, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Madagascar needs more than $242 million to recover from cyclone damage so far this season, Foreign Minister General Marcel Ranjeva said. The cyclone season -- which usually runs between November and March -- has affected about 25,000 people this year, and left more than 7,000 homeless, officials say. Rising flood waters have covered houses, cut off main roads, and destroyed an estimated 200,000 tonnes of rice on the world's fourth-largest island, officials say, adding that the need is expected to grow. "More than $242 million is needed to rebuild after the damage," the Indian Ocean island's foreign minister told diplomats and international organisations late on Tuesday while launching the international appeal. "We are appealing for international solidarity. We are counting on it." France's ambassador to Madagascar, Alain Le Roy, said his country had allocated 700,000 euros ($919,700) to make sure victims had enough food. African Development Bank representative Nadji Safir said his organisation was finalising details for a $500,000 humanitarian grant.
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