Tropical Cyclone Fytia-26


​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 100 km/h.

- Up to 12.6 million people potentially exposed to tropical storm strength or higher across the track; humanitarian impact assessed as medium based on wind speed, population, and vulnerability.

- No confirmed deaths or detailed damage tallies reported yet, unlike prior cyclones. 

Meteorological Details

Forecasts from WMO/RSMC La Réunion and GDACS indicate ongoing risks of heavy rain, winds, and surge over the next 72 hours.

Context with Prior Cyclones

Madagascar frequently faces cyclones; Fytia follows events like Cyclone Honde (March 2025, 22,000 displaced) and Gamane (March 2024, 88,000 affected), highlighting vulnerability in regions like Sava and Analanjirofo. Earlier storms such as Batsirai (2022) and Freddy (2023) caused extensive flooding and displacement. 

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