Cyclone Gezani has devasted Madagascar, destroying thousands of homes, displacing families and claiming over 50 lives.
Cyclone Gezani Emergency Appeal
The devastating impact of Cyclone Gezani
On Wednesday 11 February, Cyclone Gezani hit Madagascar. Powerful winds of up to 185 kilometres per hour caused widespread destruction, flooding, and landslides.
Over 250,000 people have been affected, including 9,000 displaced from their homes. There are over 50 confirmed deaths and hundreds people are injured or missing. As a result of floods, thousands of homes and schools have been destroyed. On top of this there is an urgent need for food-supply and medical access.
Why people with disabilities are more vulnerable
When disasters like this strike, people with disabilities are often the hardest hit and the hardest to reach. Because of the damage to roads and infrastructure, the challenge of getting around and maintaining their livelihoods increases. For people with disabilities, this means that disasters make their situation even more vulnerable.
Jecika’s story
Six year old Jecika has a physical disability. The day after the cyclone, Jecika’s mother described the impact the devastating storm has had on the family:
“Cyclone Gezani hit last night. There is nothing left to collect, no shelter, no food to eat. We truly have nothing at all.”
CBM’s response to Cyclone Gezani
CBM has been working alongside local partners in this region of Madagascar for over 40 years. Our focus is on protecting and supporting people with disabilities. It meant our team could respond quickly to assess the situation and protect those most vulnerable. And this includes people with disabilities, who others often leave behind.
A donation from you today will support people with disabilities in Madagascar who have been impacted by Cyclone Gezani.
Donate now
Donate now to support CBM’s emergency response to Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar.
You can make an immediate difference today.
When disasters strike, people with disabilities are often among the worst affected and the last to receive help. With your support we can respond quickly to emergencies, provide life-saving aid and help to rebuild lives and communities.
Donate now to enable people with disabilities to access vital, life-saving services following Cyclone Gezani.
Every moment counts. Will you make an urgent gift today?
Source: Cyclone Gezani: Toamasina in ruins as storm rips through Madagascar and on towards Mozambique – BBC News
Image copyright: ©CBM
Donations will be prioritised for our emergency response to Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar. Surplus donations will go wherever the need is greatest.