Tales From Madagascar

​ Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, striking Madagascar in late January and early February 2026, have inflicted severe economic damage, particularly through destruction of infrastructure, agriculture, and supply chains in key areas like Tamatave (Toamasina), exacerbating food insecurity and hindering recovery in a country where 80% of the workforce relies on subsistence farming. Immediate Humanitarian and Infrastructure Losses These back-to-back cyclones caused 38 deaths, 374 injuries, and affected over 260,000 people, with 400,000 in urgent need of aid; Tamatave, Madagascar's second-largest city and a major economic hub, saw 80% of its structures damaged, including the vital Toamasina port that handles 75% of international freight for exports like vanilla, minerals, and seafood.  - Damage to roads, water, electricity, schools, health facilities, and businesses has disrupted commerce and isolated markets.  - Flooding destroyed rice fields and household food stocks during the crop-gro...

​ Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar's east coast on February 10, 2026, causing widespread devastation in Toamasina and surrounding areas, with the death toll rising to at least 38 as of February 14. The storm, the second in recent weeks after Cyclone Fytia, displaced over 250,000 people and damaged up to 80% of Toamasina's infrastructure, prompting urgent international aid appeals.   Impact in Madagascar - Casualties and Displacement: Reports confirm 38 deaths, 374 injuries, and at least 12,000 displaced, with over 18,000 homes destroyed and 50,000 damaged; earlier figures ranged from 20 to 36 deaths. - Damage in Toamasina: Winds up to 250 km/h demolished 75-80% of the city, including homes, roads, power grids, hospitals, schools, and WFP facilities; electricity is at 5%, water is scarce, and debris blocks access.  - Atsinanana Region: Extensive destruction, with 90% of roofs blown off and ongoing assessments.  Humanitarian Response Madagascar's leader, Colonel Michael Ran...

​ Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Madagascar's east coast near Toamasina on February 10, 2026, as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds around 125 mph (200 km/h) and gusts up to 155 mph (250 km/h), causing at least 9 deaths, over 1,300 displacements, and significant infrastructure damage. The cyclone rapidly intensified after lingering near the Mascarene Islands, reaching major hurricane strength before striking the Toamasina II district in the afternoon or evening of February 10. It brought heavy rainfall of 100-150 mm per 24 hours, risking widespread flooding, flash floods, and landslides, with up to 6.1 million people potentially affected by storm-force winds and 26 million by heavy rain across its track. Current Status and Impacts - Landfall Details: Positioned at approximately 18.2°S, 49.9°E just before impact, moving west at 10-17 km/h (6-10 mph), with a central pressure of about 955 mb. - Wind and Structural Damage: Maximum sustained winds of 125-150 km/h, gusts t...

​ Madagascar has recently expressed interest in strengthening ties with the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). This interest aligns with the BRICS platform's goal of enhancing cooperation among emerging economies. The BRICS nations focus on economic collaboration, sustainable development, and political dialogue. For Madagascar, joining or aligning with BRICS could potentially offer avenues for economic growth, investment, and support in various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. In 2023, BRICS expanded its membership to include new countries, which could create a more diverse coalition and amplify its influence on global economic matters. Madagascar's engagement with BRICS highlights its desire to be part of broader multilateral discussions and an effort to boost its international presence. Madagascar could benefit from aligning with BRICS in several ways: 1. Economic Support and Investment: BRICS countries often provide fund...

The dilemma faced by Malagasy families when a family member falls ill often intertwines cultural, social, and economic factors. Here are some key points outlining the challenges: 1. Economic Burden: Families must balance the cost of medical care with everyday living expenses. Many Malagasy families live in poverty, making it difficult to afford medical treatment. Out-of-pocket expenses can lead to significant financial strain. 2. Access to Healthcare: Rural areas in Madagascar often have limited access to healthcare facilities or qualified medical professionals. Families may have to travel long distances to seek treatment, leading to delays in care. 3. Cultural Beliefs: Traditional beliefs and practices hold significant sway in many Malagasy communities. Some families may prefer traditional healers over modern medicine, complicating decisions about seeking medical help. This can be influenced by a lack of trust in formal health systems. 4. Social Support Systems: Extended family networ...

​ Tropical Cyclone Fytia-26 is the most recent cyclone to impact Madagascar, forming in late January 2026 and making landfall around early February 2026, prompting an overall orange alert due to its potential medium humanitarian impact. Current Status and Path Fytia-26 rapidly intensified into a Category 3-equivalent cyclone in the Mozambique Channel before striking Madagascar, affecting areas including Mahajanga City and moving southeastward.As of February 1, 2026, it was located 85 km east of Antananarivo, with current wind speeds at 75 km/h and a maximum recorded of 185 km/h.The system originated around January 28, passing near Mozambique, Comoros, and Mayotte en route to Madagascar. Impacts and Alerts - Maximum storm surge reached 0.9m in locations like Baly and Kamendriky, estimated around January 31, 2026, affecting up to 82-145 coastal sites. - Torrential rain caused considerable flooding, fallen trees, and minor damage to houses and churches in Mahajanga, with winds exceeding 1...