DISASTER DECLARATION - SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES AND POPULATION

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000076


STATE FOR USAID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA - KLUU, ACONVERY, SROGERS,
TDENYSENKO, CPRATT
STATE FOR FOR USAID DCHA/FFP/DP - JBORNS, SANTHONY, JTAYLOR
STATE FOR USAID AFR/EA - AMARCUS
STATE FOR AF/E - LMORIORATY, MOKEEFE
PRETORIA FOR USAID/OFDA - HHALE, JWESSEL
NAIROBI FOR USAID/EA/FFP - DGORDON
ROME FOR FODAG
GENEVA FOR RMA, DHA, IFRC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL SENV SOCI MA
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION - SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES AND POPULATION
DISPLACED DUE TO CYCLONE FANELE AND EXCESSIVE RAINFALL IN
MADAGASCAR


1. This is an Action Cable. See Paragraphs 9 and 10 below.

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Summary
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2. The Intense Tropical Cyclone Fanele, a category three tropical
cyclone, hit a populated area on the west coast of Madagascar in the
Morondava region on the morning of January 20, 2009 and headed
westward to Indian Ocean bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall
along its track.


3. Preliminary reports from stricken areas along the track of the
cyclone indicate significant displacement of population due to
flooding and damages to houses, infrastructure and agricultural
fields. While data is still being gathered, preliminary reports
indicated at least 40,000 people were affected by Cyclone Fanele and
a second cyclone on the East coast. More than 4,000 people lack
shelter and nearly 3,000 ha of rice fields have been damaged.


4. As a result of the tropical cyclone Fanele, the Chief of Mission
has determined that the disaster is of sufficient magnitude to
warrant US Government assistance. The Chief of Mission is therefore
exercising his disaster assistance authority. As there is a risk
that additional flooding and wind damages will occur through the
cyclone season, this disaster declaration remains in force until May
31st, 2009.


5. The Ambassador's authority of USD 30,000 will be awarded to
non-governmental international organization CARE to immediately
initiate cyclone response and recovery programming for cyclone
Fanele and to cover subsequent cyclones or major tropical storm
related flooding that occurs during the 2009 rainy season.


6. Given the scope and scale of the emergency and damages,
additional funding may be required to support logistical capacity
and the delivery of rapid food aid assistance for critical flood and
cyclone affected areas that otherwise would not be reached. Based on
past experience, food aid and non food items for the various
affected regions and emergency assistance to support agricultural
recovery, beyond that provided with the Ambassador's Authority may
be necessary to assist the flooding recovery and improve food
security in affected zones.

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END SUMMARY
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Situation
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7. Upon landfall the tropical cyclone Fanele reached a category
three (3) level bringing gusts of 210km/h, winds of 150km/h and
heavy rainfall to the west, southwest and central regions of the
country. Preliminary reports indicate that many communities
throughout affected areas are cut off from normal ground
transportation, potentially resulting in shortage of basic food and
household items and rising prices. Significant displacement of
population due to flooding and damages to houses, infrastructure and
agricultural fields were noted. Assessment teams are currently in
the field to evaluate overall damages and determine immediate
needs.


Action taken by the Government of Madagascar


8. Since January 22, 2009, The National Disaster Office (BNGRC),
supported by partners, undertook disaster preparation activities in
the Morondava region. These activities include sensitization of
local population and the distribution of limited food and non food
items in cyclone affected areas. BNGRC has also moved forward
quickly with coordination efforts among all of the partners who are
responding to this disaster.

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Action Required
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9. Due to the magnitude of the cyclone Fanele that hit the country,
Post hereby declares a disaster in the affected areas of Madagascar
and requests USAID/OFDA provide the Ambassador's Authority of USD
30,000. USAID/Madagascar intends to provide USD 30,000 under the
Ambassador's Authority to non-governmental organization CARE to
provide immediate relief to communities affected by Cyclone Fanele,
including food, roofing materials and other supplies. CARE and
other USG partners undertook a preliminary assessment of the damages
and are already initiating operations in the region with staff and
food supplies to begin mobilizing emergency efforts.


10. Given the scope and scale of the emergency, post may request an
additional funding to support logistical capacity and the delivery
of rapid food aid assistance for critical flood and cyclone affected
areas that otherwise could not be reached. Based upon the results of
the assessment, Post may consider requesting USAID/Madagascar and
USAID/FFP explore options for providing additional food aid for the
various regions in the timeliest manner possible, and USAID/OFDA
consider additional emergency assistance to support agricultural
recovery, beyond that provided with the Ambassador's Authority.


11. The rainy season and cyclone season will continue through May

2009. There will be an additional risk of flooding should heavy
rainfall continue. Therefore this disaster declaration cable remains
in force through the cyclone season through the end of May 2009.
Post will continue to monitor the evolving situation in Madagascar,
and USAID/Madagascar will coordinate with all local partners and
with USAID/OFDA and USAID/FFP for all assistance that is provided.


MARQUARDT