Scouts Mobilise to Support Cyclone Freddy Emergency Response

Scouts across Madagascar mobilised to provide emergency response to the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy on the Indian Ocean coastline since the cyclone made its first landfall on 21 February 2023. The cyclone which has so far killed 17 people and affected over 299,000 others brought with it heavy floods and destructive winds that affected homes, crops and rice fields.

Firaisan'ny Skotisma eto Madagasikara (FSM) working in collaboration with the State and humanitarian NGOs in the country, such as the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), MEDAIR, and UNICEF, have been playing a major role in assessing the situation and providing the much-needed support.

They established and deployed a First Aid Brigade composed of 100 Scouts in the city of Antananarivo in collaboration with the Fire Brigade, led blood donation drives, and helped repair homes damaged by the cyclone. The Scouts Communication Team was also mobilised to relay the information necessary to raise awareness on social networks and to communicate with community members, including through participation in a television programme "L'invité du Jour” on Real TV.

Beyond Madagascar, the Cyclone’s second landfall on 11 March has been more disastrous in many parts of Malawi, killing at least 225 people, injuring 700, displacing over 88,000 others and affecting 186,000 in total. (According to UNOCHA). The Scouts Association of Malawi is preparing its Scouts and volunteers to support the response activities.

In Mozambique, more than ten people have died and 94,000 people have been affected in five provinces - that’s in addition to more than 239,000 people affected by flooding in southern and central Mozambique. The floods compounded the situation through rapid spread of Cholera that has so far claimed 54 lives with nearly 8,700 cases reported. (According to UNOCHA). Some families of Scouts are reported to have also been affected.

Liga dos Escuteiros de Moçambique (LEMO) has Scouts Response Teams positioned in Maputo aiding with the Boane flood disaster and in Dondo, Inhambane and Beira supporting Cyclone Freddy response, working closely with Central Government entities for the coordination of their onsite interventions.

For these countries, the immediate humanitarian impact and long-term economic implications are enormous.

The Scout Movement understands the devastation and loss that these natural disasters have caused and is empathetic to the Scouts and everyone impacted by these tragic events. Our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those who have been injured or displaced by the storm. We understand that the aftermath of a cyclone can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. The movement stands with them in their efforts to respond, rebuild and recover.

We applaud the efforts of the Scouts, emergency responders and relief workers who are working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. Their bravery and dedication are an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for their selfless service as they carry out their “duty to others”. We admire their resilience and courage in the face of this tragedy, and are committed to supporting them in any way possible.