DFID is keeping in close touch with the European Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO), which has sent a humanitarian adviser to assess the effect of the cyclone damage in Madagascar. We are expecting that ECHO will provide assistance to those most directly affected by cyclone damage once a full assessment of immediate needs has been made. The UK has not as yet pledged any funds directly to Madagascar to address cyclone damage, but contributes 17 per cent. to the ECHO budget, which will be drawn upon for the EU’s response. The appeal made by the Foreign Minster goes beyond these more immediate needs and is linked to a wider range of rehabilitation needs including agriculture and infrastructure repairs.