Belgium delivers emergency aid supplies to Madagascar
Mozambique, severely affected by several cyclones, has requested assistance, and Belgium is responding to this call via B-FAST by delivering basic necessities to support the already vulnerable population.
After Cyclone Fytia struck on 30 January, Madagascar was hit for the second time this year by a devastating cyclone, called Gezani, on 10 February. Severe flooding has affected more than 257 200 people so far, completely destroying tens of thousands of homes and dozens of classrooms. Madagascar's local and national emergency services have been fully mobilised, but due to the previous cyclone, the large number of people in need and the wide geographical spread of the disaster, they are facing a serious shortage of resources.
The Malagasy authorities therefore sent out a request for assistance to the international community. Through the European Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), B-FAST responded quickly and mobilised to provide the requested emergency aid. This consists of mattresses, blankets, and camp beds. In total, B-FAST will send approximately 10 tons of material, equivalent to 82 m³, to Madagascar.
Belgium is thus contributing to alleviating the suffering of the local population. With this donation, we confirm our solidarity and B-FAST's active commitment to international aid.
B-FAST (Belgian First Aid and Support Team) is the structure of the federal government that is activated when providing emergency aid abroad and consists of the FPS Home Affairs, the FPS Policy and Support (BOSA), the FPS Public Health, the Ministry of Defence and the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, in which the Prime Minister's Office is also involved.