Madagascar Reels from Back-to-Back Cyclones, Leaving 340,000 in Crisis
Madagascar has faced a series of devastating cyclones over the past two months, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. The government declared a state of emergency after storms Fytia and Gezani caused severe flooding, storm surges, and major infrastructure damage across multiple regions.
Cyclone Fytia hit the west and northwest coast on January 31, 2026, with winds exceeding 150 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. The storm triggered flash floods, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
Less than two weeks later, Cyclone Gezani struck Toamasina on February 10, bringing even stronger winds—averaging 180 km/h with gusts up to 250 km/h. The east coast suffered heavy structural damage, worsening the crisis.
The southeastern regions of Atsimo-Atsinanana and Vatovavy-Fitovinany were among the hardest hit. In total, over 340,000 people were affected, with around 150,000 directly evacuated from high-risk areas.
In response, the ACT Alliance member SAF/FJKM is coordinating with the National Risk and Disaster Management Office (BNGRC) and UNOCHA. The organisation, which operates 54 branches, 30 clinics, and 24 development units in cyclone-affected zones, is delivering cash assistance, health kits, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Funding from the Rapid Response Fund is supporting these efforts.
The cyclones have left thousands displaced and in urgent need of aid. SAF/FJKM's ongoing relief work aims to provide essential supplies and support to the most vulnerable communities. The government's state of emergency remains in effect as recovery operations continue.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
