HoverAid UPDATE 3: Cyclone Enawo

The impact of Cyclone Enawo is only beginning to become apparent – this photo from yesterday shows the only road between the capital city Antananarivo and the main port for the whole country in Tamatave on the east coast severed by landslides. This is Madagascar’s main trading route and all of Antananarivo’s vehicle fuel and oil for power stations comes up this road.

Our plans are changing – we expect to get an update from the local Mayor of Mampikony in the North later today, but out colleagues at MAF-Madagascar have highlighted an area nearer to Antananarivo which is severely affected: Josh Plett one of MAF’s pilots reporting what he saw from several thousand feet said simply “A lot of water…the whole valley from Moramanga up towards Ambatondrazaka is under water.”

In November last year there were reported to be around 45,000 people illegally mining sapphires in that region following the discovery of gems which lead to a sapphire rush putting pressure on local infrastructure and an already dreadful road. The districts covering the valley have a population of over half a million people in total and they are now isolated from the two main towns at the north and south ends of the 100km long valley.

Looking at the terrain we have decided to reinforce the axle on our hovercraft trailer – this is not going to delay our forward team but is going to stretch the rest of the team so we are looking at sending back-up from the UK. James Ruttle will arrive in Madagascar tomorrow (Thank you St Marks’s Battersea Rise for supporting him) and Andy Mayo is on standby.

We are in a position to help many people in need – getting wells cleaned and drinking water to people will be our primary role and we will do everything we can to be part of the solution in this challenging time using all the assets we have available.

As of 10.30 this morning our appeal stands at £5,600, thank you so much for responding. We estimate we will need £25,000 over the coming month.

Please do share this with people you know – we are a small charity with small reserves and we need everyone’s support today.

Please give if you can.
https://uk.hoveraid.org/donate/
Thank you for your support and prayers for Madagascar.
Once again please hold the people of Madagascar in your hearts today.

Thanks
Andy Mayo
CEO HoverAid UK