MADAGASCAR (February 26, 2008) – CARE International is accelerating its response to humanitarian suffering and damage caused by Cyclone Ivan. As more information becomes available estimates now indicate that nearly 228,000 persons have been directly affected by the storm, which has left more than 60 persons dead and more than148,000 people homeless.
Also, nearly 44,000 acres of crops owned by subsistence farmers have been damaged CARE is spear-heading the distribution of shelter supplies and other non-food items for about 50,000 people. CARE is also focusing on rebuilding washed out roads and bridges through its Food for Work program.
CARE also will intensify efforts to identify and distribute food to the poorest and most marginalized persons in hard to reach rural villages.
Once immediate emergency needs are met, CARE will expand the scope of relief activities to reach more people and provide agricultural relief, seeds and tools, and assist villages in their efforts to rebuild their homes and lives.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Media Contacts: Kenneth Walker at + 27 11 234 1221 / [email protected]
About CARE: Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than six decades of experience delivering emergency aid during times of crisis. Our emergency responses focus on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly girls and women. Women and girls are at the heart of CARE’s emergency relief efforts because our experience shows that their gains translate into benefits for families and communities.