United Nations Radio

In Madagascar, meteorologists are forecasting that four to five intense cyclones will strike during the approaching cyclone season.

Madagascar

UNICEF's representative in Madagascar, Bruno Maes, told UN Radio the humanitarian community in the Indian Ocean island nation is appealing for six million dollars in order to be able to pre-position stocks in the most vulnerable regions of the country.

"A natural disaster such as a cyclone could have a very serious impact on those children already living on the brink. And with these pre-positioned stocks, we would be able to mitigate the negative impact on the most vulnerable."

Ms. Maes says the money will be used for tarpaulins, medicines, water purification tablets, and health, school and recreational kits. Due to its geographical location, Madagascar is affected every year by three to four cyclones that cause additional hardship for an already vulnerable population. In addition, poor infrastructure means that once a cyclone has hit, it can take weeks to reach some of the affected communities who are left isolated and at great risk of hunger and disease.

Diane Bailey, United Nations Radio
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