MADAGASCAR (30 May)
Cyclone Manou, which battered the east coast of Madagascar in early May resulted in loss of life, damage to housing and infrastructure and flooded rice fields. By late May, many communities were still isolated. Emergency relief is needed in the affected areas.
Despite an overall satisfactory 2003 paddy production, drought conditions during the growing season in the traditionally food insecure southern provinces resulted in poor maize and cassava harvests, the main staples in the region. The Government has estimated that some 600 000 people in 18 districts between Toliara in the southwest and Tolagnaro in the southeast are in need of emergency assistance. Local reports indicate that severe malnutrition among young children has doubled in the last few months.
Despite a worsening situation, food aid pledges remain well below requirements. There is urgent need of additional and timely contributions to avert a deterioration of the nutritional conditions of the affected population.