Cyclone Fanele hits Madagascar and stalls existing
reconstruction work MENABE REGION, Madagascar, 28 January 2009 –
The southern part of Madagascar has been brutally affected by
Cyclone Fanele, which hit the island in the early hours of 21
January. A recent World Health Organization assessment notes
that over 20,500 people have been affected by Fanele and
Tropical Storm Eric, which arrived on the 19th. UNICEF response
activities started immediately and supplies reached the region
within three days. Reconstructions from last year's Cyclone Ivan
were well underway when Fanele hit, stalling existing progress.
UNICEF has conducted a rapid assessment in partnership with
local authorities and the National Bureau of Disaster Management
and Prevention. Health kits and bed nets are being distributed
in affected areas while awaiting further assessment on health
needs. "As we are just at the beginning of the cyclone season,
we were able to use our pre-positioned supply to respond
quickly," said UNICEF Madagascar Deputy