EU aid to cyclone ravaged island

The European Commission (EC) has allocated a €2 million (about US $2.4 million) aid package for cyclone victims in Madagascar. An EC statement said the funds would be directed towards a number of projects, including emergency repairs to roads and bridges, "to enable cyclone victims to receive assistance". Cyclone Gafilo struck Madagascar last month, rendering more than 200,000 people homeless. "Estimates from joint assessment missions indicate that the total number of people affected by the cyclone is 774,000, of which 300,000 are in need of relief assistance," the EC noted. More than 6,000 hectares of agricultural land was flooded, resulting in major crop losses. Health facilities and schools were destroyed and road links cut, making it difficult for aid agencies to gain access to the worst-hit areas. The EC funding is to be used for water decontamination and other hygiene measures, "to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases", while epidemic surveillance and primary health care projects would reduce the spread of malaria and other illnesses. The most vulnerable families will receive basic food supplies and seeds, as well as tools and equipment for rebuilding homes. "It is estimated that more than 60,000 people seriously affected by the cyclone will benefit from this assistance," the EC added.