ANTANANARIVO — The United States Government has issued a disaster declaration for the Comoros islands. The declaration unlocks emergency relief funding for the Comoros, which is struggling to cope with damages inflicted by Cyclone Kenneth in late April.

The United States is providing an immediate $100,000 in relief funding via the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).  The American people are providing these funds to the Red Cross to buy, transport, and distribute emergency shelter and hygiene supplies for 2,500 people.

Assessments performed by the Government of Comoros found risks related to water, sanitation, health, and food security.  The American contribution will allow the Red Cross to distribute 500 household kits composed of corrugated metal sheet roofing materials, kitchen supplies, a stove, a lantern, a mattress, and soap.

On April 24^th, Cyclone Kenneth passed less than 45 kilometers north of Ngazidja island (Grand Comore) and the entire national territory of Comoros was affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds.   The storm caused widespread damage to schools, farming and residential infrastructure, including an estimated 15,000 homes damaged and over 4,000 homes destroyed.