Madagascar: residents need help – Information

Floods and landslides have so far affected nearly 90,000 people. people. According to government figures, there are already 30 fatalities. The destruction will affect the further functioning of the inhabitants of the island, especially agriculture.

Rain is rare in these areas, but a week ago a cyclone named Cheneso passed unexpectedly. The rains began as early as Sunday, January 22, and continued until Friday, January 27. The wind knocked down power lines and destroyed many houses. Many farms were flooded. Hundreds of people had to be evacuated. The police and the army helped in this. – People who lost their homes temporarily lived in nearby schools – informs Father Paweł Petelski OMI, who serves as a missionary on the west coast of Madagascar.

– We were also asked for help by the sisters of the Jeanne Delanoue Congregation, who take care of disabled children and the elderly. Recent heavy rains flooded the mattresses and bedding of their charges. They urgently need 20 new sets – adds the missionary.

In response to this dramatic situation, the Mission Office is launching a fundraiser to help the people of Madagascar rebuild their already very modest possessions. The funds raised will be used to purchase approximately 20 tons of rice and other food, 100 liters of oil, disinfectants and tools to help rebuild damaged homes. Aid will also be provided to a center for children with disabilities run by nuns, where 20 mattresses and bedding are missing.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate arrived in Madagascar in 1980 at the invitation of Bishop Toamasin Jérôme Razafindrazak. Since 1985, a delegation of the Congregation has been operating here under the care of the Polish Province. Oblates work in 14 institutions, which include, among others, parishes and mission stations in the bush. The delegation also includes four communities on the island of La Réunion, an overseas territory of France. In total, nearly 100 Oblate missionaries work in the Delegation.