Madagascar Reels After Back-to-Back Typhoons Displace Thousands

Madagascar has faced severe destruction after two powerful cyclones, including a typhoon, struck within weeks of each other. Typhoon Fytia hit the west and northwest coast on 31 January, followed by Typhoon Gezani on 10 February. Together, they displaced over 47,000 people and left hundreds of thousands in urgent need of aid.

Typhoon Fytia made landfall on 31 January with winds exceeding 150 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. The storm triggered flash floods and forced widespread evacuations along the western and northwestern regions. Less than two weeks later, Typhoon Gezani struck the eastern city of Toamasina on 10 February. Its average winds of 180 km/h, with gusts up to 250 km/h, caused major structural damage across the east coast.

The combined impact of both typhoons displaced 31,000 people during Fytia and 16,428 during Gezani. Additionally, Gezani alone affected 423,986 individuals, leaving around 400,000 in acute need, according to UN reports. In response, the Madagascar government declared a state of emergency.

SAF/FJKM, an ACT Alliance member, is coordinating relief efforts with the National Risk and Disaster Management Office (BNGRC) and UNOCHA. The organisation operates 54 branches, 30 clinics, and 24 development units in the hardest-hit areas. Plans include distributing cash assistance, health kits, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to those affected.

The typhoons have left tens of thousands displaced and hundreds of thousands requiring urgent support. Relief efforts are now underway, with local and international agencies working to provide essential aid. The government's state of emergency remains in place as recovery operations continue.