Antananarivo, Madagascar – In response to an urgent request made by the Government of Madagascar, the U.S. Government provided emergency assistance for the flood victims in Antananarivo on Thursday, March 12, 2015. 

"We offer our condolences to the people of Madagascar affected by recent flooding. We are happy to be able to offer some immediate assistance through our partner PSI (Population Services International) and provide these health products. The U.S. Government will continue to work with the government of Madagascar to closely monitor the situation and address the underlying causes of this crisis," said Ambassador Yamate during a short handover at an emergency center established by the Government of Madagascar. This center currently houses 10,000 people.

Through its partner Population Services International (PSI), USAID/Madagascar is providing 100,000 individual packages of oral rehydration salts, 25,107 diarrhea treatment kits and 26,653 bottles of water purification solution (Via Sur, ORS/Hydrazinc and Sur’eau). These products, procured by PSI and worth just under $100,000, will be distributed to the flood affected population who have taken refuge in some of the camps set up by the Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et Catastrophes. By providing this water treatment and diarrhea treatment kits, the U.S. Government is rapidly responding to a crucial need among flood victims, by reducing morbidity and mortality due to diarrhea.

According to the Madagascar's national disaster management office (Bureau National de Gestion des Risques et des Catastrophes, BNGRC), over 90,000 people have been affected, and more than 35,000 displaced. Twenty five people have been killed. Over 6,000 hectares of rice paddies have been destroyed. 

The U.S. Government response to the flooding is consistent with the commitment of the American people to provide assistance to the most vulnerable in Madagascar. This year, USAID is providing over 132 billion Ariary (U.S. $66 million) of assistance to the Malagasy people with programs that include investments in health, food security, environment and disaster preparedness.