Estonia Supports Cyclone Victims in Madagascar with Half a Million Kroons
28.04.2008
The Estonian Foreign Ministry is supporting victims of the aftermath of cyclones Ivan and Fame in Madagascar, particularly children, by donating 500,000 kroons to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The sum was allocated from the Foreign Ministry’s development and humanitarian aid budget.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the natural disaster in Madagascar has taken the lives of more than 100 people, and almost 200,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. “Estonia’s aid will help to alleviate the situation of those in need. It will also improve their chances of being able to return to a normal life,” said Paet.
Estonia’s donation is primarily intended to take care of the basic needs of children and to restore schools and lessons. Hundreds of school buildings were severely damaged or destroyed by the cyclones. Their interiors, along with school supplies, were also ruined.
UNICEF is implementing the education projects “Back-to-School” and “Rehabilitating and increasing the capabilities of local education”, which require a total of 46 million kroons. UNICEF is also implementing programmes intended for children that focus on health care, food supplies, and improving hygienic conditions. Other projects include the construction of temporary homes and camps for victims of the cyclones.
Madagascar was assaulted by Cyclone Fame from 27-29 January and Cyclone Ivan from 17-19 February. The storms resulted in widespread destruction, and this year’s crops were also lost. There are massive problems with hygiene and drinking water, and there is danger of an epidemic.
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