France Offers Condolences & Aid to Madagascar After Cyclones Fytia & Gezani

Madagascar is facing a mounting humanitarian and economic crisis following the back-to-back impacts of Tropical Cyclones Fytia and Gezani. While the full extent of the economic damage is still being assessed, early reports indicate significant disruption to infrastructure, agriculture, and essential services, prompting an appeal for international aid.

Cyclone Gezani, described as “monstrous” by those on the ground, made landfall near the city of Toamasina on February 10th, with sustained wind speeds exceeding 195 km/h (121 mph). The storm has now weakened as it moves across the island, but not before leaving a trail of destruction. At least 31 people have been confirmed dead, with four reported missing and over 6,000 displaced from their homes as of February 11th.

The disaster comes less than two weeks after Cyclone Fytia struck northwestern Madagascar, resulting in 12 deaths and displacing over 31,000 people. Combined, the two cyclones have affected more than 200,000 people across nine regions, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in a country where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty and lacks adequate shelter.

The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reports that building collapses contributed to the fatalities caused by Gezani, and at least 36 people have been seriously injured. The city of Toamasina, with a population of 400,000, appears to have borne the brunt of the storm, with reports of widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. One resident described the devastation to AFP, stating, “Everything is devastated, roofs have been blown off, floors are flooded, the walls of solid houses have collapsed.”

Beyond the immediate human cost, the cyclones pose a significant threat to Madagascar’s already fragile economy. The country is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly vanilla, cloves, and cocoa. The damage to nearly 18,600 houses, 493 classrooms, and 20 health facilities, as reported in a recent flash update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), will require substantial investment for reconstruction. The disruption to education and healthcare services will have long-term consequences for human capital development.

The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable. Heavy rainfall and flooding are likely to damage crops, leading to food shortages and potentially driving up food prices. This is especially concerning given that Cyclone Fytia already undermined food security in affected areas. The OCHA report highlights the potential for a compounding effect, with Gezani further exacerbating existing humanitarian needs.

The Malagasy government has appealed to the international community for assistance, recognizing the scale of the disaster and the limitations of domestic resources. According to TASS, the country’s transitional president, Mikhael Randrianiarina, has requested solidarity and aid to address the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani. The government has dispatched rescue teams and emergency humanitarian aid to the affected areas and appointed interim administrators in the hardest-hit regions of Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, and Atsinanana.

France has already expressed its condolences and pledged support, stating its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and deploying experts to respond to the emergency. This support is being coordinated through the Crisis and Support Centre of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and state services based in Réunion.

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $3 million to six UN agencies in Madagascar to support anticipatory action and assist over 93,000 vulnerable people. An additional $2 million has been provisioned for an urgent response to the impacts of Cyclone Fytia. These funds will be used to provide essential supplies such as food, agricultural inputs, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education support, and basic household items.

Looking ahead, the economic impact of the cyclones is likely to be felt for months, if not years. The cost of reconstruction will be substantial, and the disruption to agricultural production could lead to lower export earnings and increased import dependence. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Madagascar is highly vulnerable to climate change and is likely to experience more frequent and intense cyclones in the future.

The immediate priority is to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the cyclones. However, a longer-term strategy is needed to build resilience to climate change and reduce Madagascar’s vulnerability to future disasters. This will require investment in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development.

Cyclone Gezani is currently over the Mozambique Channel and is expected to reach Mozambique on February 13th. Mozambican authorities have declared a yellow level of danger and are preparing for potential impacts.