Flash update #2 Cyclones Fytia and Gezani

Highlights

Following Tropical Cyclone FYTIA in north-west Madagascar on 31 January 2026, Intense Tropical Cyclone GEZANI struck the east coast on 10 February 2026 with winds exceeding 250 km/h. After making landfall near Tamatave, the system weakened as it crossed Madagascar but continued to bring torrential rainfall and flooding along its path. GEZANI has since moved into the Mozambique Channel and may curve back toward southern Madagascar; while a second landfall is not currently expected, the system could still generate heavy rainfall and localized flooding.
The most severe impacts have been reported in Atsinanana Region, where the cyclone struck Tamatave—Madagascar’s second-largest city and its principal port. Across Tamatave and surrounding areas, GEZANI caused widespread damage to homes and critical infrastructure, including schools, basic health facilities, water supply systems and electricity networks. As of 14 February 2026, preliminary reports indicate 41 deaths and 427 injuries, with 324,404 people directly affected. An estimated 16,428 people are displaced, with 48 displacement sites currently hosting displaced families. Conditions in displacement sites remain challenging, including limited access to safe drinking water, and displacement heightens protection risks—particularly for an estimated 6,000 displaced children across Tamatave I and II districts. Reported housing impacts to date include 21,267 flooded homes, 39,086 damaged homes, and 19,527 homes completely destroyed.