Madagascar - GFDRR

150
Damage, Loss, and Needs Assessment for Recovery and Reconstruction: Madagascar
Disaster Risk Reduction Investments for Recovery
Summary
Given the recurrent occurrence of cyclones in Madagascar, disaster risk reduction (i.e.
prevention efforts) becomes of primordial importance. Neither the Government, nor the people
of Madagascar, nor yet the donors can afford expenditures approaching US$330 million per
disaster when the events occur with near annual frequency.
Five priorities have therefore been identified to reduce disaster risk:
1. A National Plan for Disaster Risk Management
2. Strengthened Risk Assessment
3. Strengthened Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness
4. Development of Cyclone Norms and Standards and integration of Risk Management
into Sectoral Programs
5. Catastrophe Risk Financing and Transfer
1. National Plan for Disaster Risk Management
In 2002, the Government produced a National Strategy for Disaster and Risk Management
which is currently being updated. It now needs to develop and implement a National Plan for
Disaster Risk Management, involving the relevant sectors and building upon the Strategy’s
vision. The Plan would need to specifically address the challenge of decentralization and provide
for capacity building for the various administrative levels in all aspects of disaster risk reduction
(prevention, preparedness, response and recovery). It should also address community-level
needs, and public-private partnerships. A national training institution or University curriculum
would likely be required to support the capacity building needs.
2. Strengthened Risk Assessment
National and regional decision-makers need to identify risks based on better maps and hazard
and vulnerability patterns. This is important so they can define development priorities and land
use plans, allocate resources, and orient relief and recovery efforts. It is critical to start
developing a common approach to assess disaster and climate change risks and produce
assessment maps that are comparable from event to event.