Tales From Madagascar

​ 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...

​ In certain areas of Madagascar, particularly in tourist hotspots like Nosy Be, there are informal indications of a developing sex industry largely driven by the influx of foreign tourists, particularly from Western countries. This phenomenon arises from several interrelated factors: 1. Tourism Demand: As a popular destination for tourists, Nosy Be and other resorts attract visitors seeking both leisure and escapism. Some local businesses cater to this demand, contributing to the growth of an informal sex industry. 2. Economic Incentives: For many locals, engaging in sex work can serve as a substantial source of income compared to other employment options, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. This economic motivation drives some individuals to participate in the industry. 3. Lack of Regulation: The informal nature of the industry is facilitated by the lack of stringent laws regulating the sex trade in Madagascar. This legal ambiguity allows for the proliferation of sex ...

​ Madagascar is experiencing its first documented mpox outbreak, with 111 confirmed cases and 263 suspected cases reported as of January 19, 2026. The outbreak began in December 2025 in the Mahajanga I urban commune in the Boeny region, with the first cases confirmed on December 30, 2025. Outbreak Progression The outbreak has rapidly expanded from the initial epicenter. As of January 2, 2026, only five laboratory-confirmed cases had been reported, demonstrating significant acceleration in case numbers over the following three weeks.  The virus has since spread to the capital region, with the Analamanga region (which includes Antananarivo) now ranking second among regions with the highest number of confirmed cases. Transmission and Symptoms Mpox spreads through direct skin contact with wounds and lesions, contaminated materials, respiratory droplets, and body fluids.The disease is strongly associated with sexual transmission. Infections typically cause fever, rash, and swollen lymph...