Once again, Madagascar has been hit by a natural disaster that has received little media coverage. This time, the Batsirai Cyclone traced a path of devastation from the south-eastern coast across the southern highlands to the coast of Mozambique, devastating mainly the towns of Mananjary, Manakara (the town in which lives the AIC President), Farafangana, Fort Dauphin and Fianarantsoa in particular, as well as countless villages, causing at least 20 deaths and a large number of injuries. Two weeks earlier, Cyclone Ana had already caused floods and landslides in the capital Antananarivo, killing about 50 people. It is mainly the less well built houses of the most disadvantaged people that have been destroyed, but also schools and churches. Since most of the AIC groups and also the ‘Akany Avotra’ children’s home are located in the affected region, AIC volunteers, although suffering from the devastation themselves, can provide direct aid that will reach its destination immediately. On the other hand, government aid – initially drinking water and food – is only slowly getting underway. It will take time for water pipes and electricity to be restored, which is also making communication difficult. We have not heard from the Akany Avotra children’s home yet, but the south was a little less affected and it is a well-constructed house.
Source: https://www.aic-international.org/
God is the only provider. May His mercy and grace be sufficient for them. Thanks to the AIC team assisting the less privileged communities in Madagascar.