Flash update #3 Cyclones Fytia and Gezani

Highlights

FYTIA - Three weeks after Cyclone FYTIA made its landfall, access to Soalala and Mitsinjo districts in Boeny Region remains difficult, despite ongoing discussions with local authorities. Discussions with the Maritime and River Port Authority (APMF) clarified the status of ferry services on the Majunga–Katsepy route, which is critical for onward movement to the affected districts. While reliable and suitable ferries have been identified, they are currently undergoing maintenance and are not expected to be operational until early March, continuing to constrain travel and the delivery of assistance. The education sector remains severely affected, with an estimated 25,827 students still out of school due to extensive damage to learning spaces except those in Mahajanga I, where classes have resumed.

GEZANI - Response to Cyclone GEZANI is ongoing, with a strong operational presence on the ground and active engagement of multiple partners. Initial efforts were necessarily concentrated in Tamatave I, the urban and most densely populated district and the area where access constraints and immediate humanitarian needs required urgent attention during the first phase of the response. With road access now progressively restored, attention is expanding to Tamatave II where emerging assessments indicate significant damage and unmet needs that require reinforced multi-sector support. UNICEF currently has a team of over 15 staff deployed in the affected areas, working alongside government and partners to scale up assistance in a coordinated and integrated manner.