Madagascar: Humanitarian impact of Tropical Cyclone Fytia Flash Update No. 1 (31 January 2026)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tropical Cyclone Fytia developed over the Mozambique Channel on 28 January and intensified as it tracked eastwards toward Madagascar.
• Information collected on casualties, displacement and damage remained limited as of late 31 January, as the cyclone was still impacting affected areas, and access constraints were expected in the immediate aftermath.
• Thirty-eight districts across eight regions are forecast to be affected, with an estimated 175,000 people likely to be impacted.
• Aerial assessments are planned, and rapid multi-sector assessments will be conducted as soon as affected areas, particularly Mitsinjo and Soalala districts, become accessible.
• Physical access and resource constraints, including funding, remain critical, with the areas most likely to be affected accessible only by air.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Tropical Cyclone Fytia developed over the Mozambique Channel on 28 January and intensified as it tracked eastwards toward Madagascar. The cyclone made landfall on 31 January in some of the country’s most remote areas, which are rarely affected by humanitarian crises. As it approached and crossed the western coast, forecasts indicated heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas across large parts of central and northern Madagascar. Meteorological authorities warned of a high risk of flooding, wind damage and storm surge in lowlying coastal areas, particularly along the west coast.

By late 31 January, information on casualties, displacement and damage remained limited, as the cyclone was still impacting affected areas and access constraints were expected in the immediate aftermath. Initial reports from partners indicate that an estimated 5,000 people have been displaced. The total number of affected people has yet to be established in Mitsinjo and Soalala districts in Melaky Region, which are currently believed to be unreachable.

Preliminary reports indicate damage to at least 22 schools, including eight that are reportedly totally destroyed, potentially leaving 1,100 students out of school in the coming days. In addition, eight schools are currently being used as temporary accommodation sites in Mahajanga I, Marovoay, Ambohidratrimo and Antananarivo Antsimondrano.

As the system continues to move from west to east across the country, impacts are expected across northwestern and western regions and to extend towards central and eastern areas. Thirty-eight districts across eight regions are forecast to be affected, with an estimated 175,000 people likely to be impacted. Preliminary projections indicate that approximately 42,000 houses could be flooded, 176 health centres damaged, and 1,580 classrooms partially damaged. Continued rainfall and deteriorating sea conditions are expected along the coast, while inland flooding is likely as river basins respond to sustained precipitation.