The Archbishop of Sydney's Anglican Aid has launched an appeal for cyclone-ravaged Madagascar.
Cyclone Giovanna hit the region last month and devastated parts of Madagascar, one of the world's largest islands.
31 people have been confirmed dead and 250,000 people left homeless but the death toll continues to rise and there are grave fears for the health of displaced people.
Communication from parts of Madagascar is very difficult but Archbishop Ian Ernest confirms that parts of the Dioceses of Toamasina and the capital Antananarivo have been destroyed.
The Sydney Diocese has a close relationship with the region through our friendship with Archbishop Ernest who is the Archbishop of Mauritius as well as the Primate of the Indian Ocean. Anglican Aid supported the training of two Mauritians, Eric and Jacqueline Ma Fat at Moore College in 2010. They returned to develop theological education throughout their diocese and ultimately into Madagascar. A number of Sydney clergy and lay people have also been providing teaching assistance and other support in what is one of the world's poorest countries.
The area was hit by a major cyclone just 4 years ago and Archbishop Ernest says it is sad that the area has been hit again. "I make an appeal, so that a spirit of solidarity can transcend the ocean and I invite you to pray with us and for us. There is an urgent need for medicines, mosquito nets, food, tents and financial assistance” he said.
Anglican Aid was already in discussion with Archbishop Ernest about a water and food security development project in desperately impoverished areas of Madagascar. But the threat of water borne disease has made this all the more urgent.
Archbishop, Peter Jensen, says, “I commend this special emergency appeal to all Sydney Anglicans to show the compassion of Christ to those whose lives have been devastated and to help our brothers and sisters in Christ as they struggle to address their own needs as well as support others in their ravaged communities.”
Anglican Aid is collecting donations through its website.
Photo: UNICEF/H Andrianaivosoa
