Cyclone Hudah (Hansard, 13 April 2000)

§ Mr. Streeter
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effect of cyclone Hudah on(a) the flooding in Mozambique and (b) Madagascar. [118097]

§ Clare Short
Cyclone Hudah has not affected the previously flooded areas in southern and central Mozambique. The cyclone made landfall in Pembane in northern Mozambique late on Friday 7 April. Preliminary assessments indicate very limited damage to property and while there has been some localised flooding this has not been exceptional. Full assessments will be completed over the coming days, but it appears there are no outstanding needs at this time.
The cyclone had previously caused considerable damage while tracking across the North East of Madagascar. As a result, there are an estimated 100,000 people requiring immediate assistance. My Department has already provided some £600,000 for immediate relief to those affected by Cyclones Eline and Gloria. We will continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with operational agencies on the ground and the British Embassy in Antananarivo and stand ready to respond following completed assessments.

§ Mr. Streeter
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the need for emergency aid for Madagascar after the recent hurricane. [118042]

§ Clare Short
My officials have maintained close contact with our Embassy in Antananarivo and operational agencies on the ground. There are an estimated 100,000 people requiring emergency assistance as a result of cyclone Hudah. Following the previous two cyclones, Gloria and Eline, effective co-ordination mechanisms were264W established and the United Nations and Red Cross have been supporting the Government of Madagascar to respond to relief needs.
My Department has already provided some £600,000 for immediate relief to those affected by cyclones Eline and Gloria. This support has been channelled through United Nations Children's Fund, for water sanitation and health activities; and the World Food Programme for food and delivery of relief items to isolated communities. However, due to the increase in the number of people requiring assistance these resources may run out quicker than planned. We stand ready to respond further, pending completion of detailed assessments.