Madagascar: Humanitarian impact of Tropical Cyclone Gezani Flash Update No. 4 (26 February 2026)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Madagascar is reeling from the devastating impact of two successive severe tropical systems -Cyclone Fytia and Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani - which struck within ten days of each other, causing loss of human lives, displacement and destruction across the country.
• More than 681,000 people have been affected by the two Cyclones, including over 632,400 in urgent need of assistance. The Government reported 73 deaths and 811 injuries and declared a national state of disaster on 12 February.
• Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani caused 59 deaths, displaced more than 20,800 people and affected 478,000, causing significantly greater destruction, with over 102,000 homes damaged or destroyed, 761 schools and 30 health facilities affected. Winds of up to 250 km/h caused extensive structural damage.
• The cyclones struck during the lean season and in areas already grappling with an mpox outbreak, exacerbating food insecurity and livelihood losses, particularly in agricultural communities where rice crops had recently been planted, and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Humanitarian partners are scaling up multi-sector assistance, including food, shelter, WASH, health, protection, education and livelihood support, with ongoing assessments to refine targeting.
• A US$67.8 million Flash Appeal was launched on 24 February to assist 486,000 people. To date, US$12.7 million has been mobilized, including US$7.5 million from CERF and US$1.46 million from the Start Fund.
• Despite the scale-up, needs continue to outpace resources. Funding shortfalls, damaged infrastructure and access constraints are limiting response coverage, and additional flexible funding is urgently required to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions.