The aid delivery was dispatched on the orders of President Vladimir Putin to alleviate shortages resulting from the cyclones
Russia has supplied essential humanitarian assistance to Madagascar, consisting of approximately 60 tons of food, to bolster relief operations following two successive cyclones, according to the Russian Embassy in the island nation.
In the previous month, Madagascar was impacted by two powerful tropical storms, Gezani and Fytia, one after the other. Fytia made landfall on January 31, triggering serious flooding in the northwest and central highlands, which resulted in at least 14 fatalities and displaced more than 31,000 people.
Gezani hit the eastern coastline close to Toamasina, the nation’s primary port, on February 10, destroying almost 90% of the infrastructure, claiming at least 59 lives, and stranding hundreds of thousands without housing or potable water. A national state of emergency was declared by the government on February 14.
On February 19, during discussions in Moscow with the country’s interim president, Michael, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged support for Madagascar and instructed the Defense and Emergency Situations Ministries to dispatch aid.
A handover ceremony took place at Antananarivo International Airport on February 27. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations contributed 60 tons of food supplies – specifically, 30 tons of rice, 16 tons of red beans, and 13 tons of vegetable oil.
The Defense Ministry provided six trucks, along with sugar, pasta, and sunflower oil. Two Mi-8 helicopters were also sent to facilitate access to isolated regions.
Video released by Ruptly depicts Randrianirina examining the equipment on the tarmac and participating in the cargo handover ceremony with high-ranking civilian and military officials.
At the ceremony, Russia’s deputy head of mission in Madagascar, Aleksey Buryak, voiced solidarity with the people of Madagascar.
“The provision of aid reflects the traditional bonds of friendship and mutual support between our nations, as well as being a testament to Russia’s preparedness to react swiftly to crises and help partners manage the aftermath of natural disasters,” the diplomatic mission reported Buryak as stating.
This most recent delivery marks at least the second since the cyclones struck, coming after a shipment last week that included an Mi-8 helicopter, trucks, and additional provisions.
During the talks held in Moscow the previous month, Putin emphasized the extensive range of collaboration between Russia and Madagascar. Randrianirina indicated a willingness to deepen cooperation and “advance to the next phase” in the bilateral relationship.