HC Deb 29 March 2000 vol 347 c180W
20. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department is taking in Madagascar; and if she will make a statement. [115449]

Clare Short

Cyclones Eline and Gloria and the ensuing floods have caused damage directly affecting some 500,000 people in Madagascar. However, the number of people requiring immediate assistance is about 45,000. We have contributed some £600,000 for immediate relief including food, clean water, health services and the necessary logistics to ensure delivery of items to isolated communities. This funding has been channelled through UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

We continue to monitor the situation closely through our Embassy in Madagascar and operational partners in the field. We stand ready to respond further to assessed needs.

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