Society
Post-Gezani Aid: Over 1.8 Billion Ariary Mobilized for Toamasina
Toamasina's reconstruction continues following Cyclone Gezani's passage. Facing damages assessed at 80% in the Grand Port, a massive wave of solidarity has mobilized 1.83 billion Ariary received after Gizani's passage. Assistance continues for disaster victims, with long-term rehabilitation projects underway. Five months after the devastating cyclone Gizani struck, the country's economic capital is still recovering. With damages estimated at nearly 80%, Toamasina is actively pursuing its reconstruction process. Last Friday, a joint press conference bringing together the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), the UCR, and the Toamasina prefecture was held to assess aid coordination and outline upcoming projects. General Gabriel Ramanantsoa, director general of the BNGRC, emphasized complete transparency in financial crisis management. He revealed that a total sum of 1.83 billion Ariary (exactly 1,831,816,172.5 Ariary) has been mobilized to support Toamasina. In the breakdown of this exceptional effort, generosity primarily came from the private sector and individuals, whose contributions amount to 1.72 billion Ariary. The remaining amount comes from the president of the Refoundation (PRRM) and petroleum sector operators. Addressing misconceptions about manipulation of these impressive amounts, the BNGRC chief sought to dispel any misunderstanding. Much of the donation pledges made by technical and financial partners were not disbursed as liquid cash, but materialized through supplies of equipment, food, and essential materials. "Many people are mistaken when hearing the amounts announced by partners. It is essential to recall that these funds are committed through specific projects and their release occurs in close collaboration with these same partners," General Ramanantsoa emphasized. The human and material toll of Gizani's deadly path remains particularly heavy. The disaster directly impacted 106,390 households across Toamasina I and II, Brickaville, Ambatondrazaka, Amparafaravola, and Moramanga. There are 52 deaths, 13 missing persons, 300 injured, and 23,610 completely destroyed homes. Even five months after the catastrophe, mobilization has not weakened. International assistance continues arriving on national territory. Currently, the government, relevant ministries, and central state are coordinating efforts to pilot long-term rehabilitation projects, forums where strategic decisions are made to restore the region to its former state.
Source: Midi Madagasikara