28 April 1982

Measures to be taken following the cyclones and floods in Madagascar

The Economic and Social Council,

Considering that Madagascar has recently suffered the effects of several tropical cyclones and floods which have caused loss of life and considerable damage to the economy of the country,

Having heard the statement of the delegation of Madagascar on the cyclones which affect the countries situated in the south-western part of the Indian Ocean, and the statement of the representative of the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator,

Recognizing that climatic hazards create in countries subject to seasonal disasters emergency situations having medium-term and long-term economic, social and structural consequences which affect development,

Recalling the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council concerning assistance in cases of natural disasters, in which appeals have been made to the international community to give special attention to these phenomena,

Taking into account the fact that the assistance provided to countries stricken by natural disasters is an expression of the international solidarity embodied in the Charter of the United Nations,

Noting with satisfaction the emergency assistance provided by a number of States, international and regional organizations, specialized agencies and voluntary agencies,

Noting also the efforts made by the Government of Madagascar to relieve the suffering of the victims of the cyclones and floods,

1. Expresses its profound sympathy with the people and Government of Madagascar for the loss of life and the serious damage which the recent cyclones and floods have caused to the economy of the country;

2. Urges all States to participate or to continue to participate in relief operations and in the implementation of programmes for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas affected by the cyclones and floods;

3. Requests international and regional organizations, specialized agencies and voluntary agencies, particularly those most directly concerned, to lend their support, within the framework of their respective programmes, to the efforts of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator to mobilize relief and assistance, and also to examine urgently the requests for assistance made by the Government of Madagascar during the phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction;

4. Expresses the hope that the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and all other international financial institutions concerned will give sympathetic and urgent consideration to requests for assistance which the Government of Madagascar may submit under its rehabilitation, reconstruction and development programmes and with a view to improving the existing disaster warning and protection systems;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Economic and Social Council at its second regular session of 1982 and to the General Assembly at its thirty-seventh session.