Thousands of people have been forced from their homes across northeastern Madagascar after Cyclone Gezani struck the country on 10 February, causing widespread destruction and disruption. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has deployed emergency response teams to Toamasina in the country's northeast to support authorities responding to the crisis.
"The scale of devastation from Cyclone Gezani has left families struggling to cope with urgent needs and heavy losses," said Roger Charles Evina, IOM Chief of Mission in Madagascar. "IOM is working alongside government authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure that affected families receive the support they need during this critical time."
Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar's northeastern coast with strong winds exceeding 195 km/h, triggering flooding, infrastructure damage, and widespread disruption across multiple regions. Communities in coastal and inland districts have experienced destruction of housing, damage to public infrastructure, and reduced access to essential services.
Families have sought refuge in evacuation centres, schools, and community buildings as displacement continues to rise. To date, most displaced families are sheltering in 28 evacuation centres across 16 districts and four regions. The Government of Madagascar has declared a national state of emergency in response to the crisis.
IOM field teams are supporting coordination, needs assessments, and humanitarian planning in affected districts working closely with national and local authorities and partners to strengthen response mechanisms and improve service delivery in evacuation centers.
Initial assessments highlight urgent humanitarian gaps, including emergency shelter, safe water and sanitation, food assistance, healthcare, and protection services. IOM is conducting rapid needs assessments to identify priority vulnerabilities and guide targeted assistance, including cash-for-shelter support to help affected households secure temporary accommodation or begin recovery. The Organization is prioritizing households with damaged or destroyed homes to help families secure safe shelter or start rebuilding according to their specific needs.
Today, IOM's Chief of Mission was part of a delegation, alongside His Excellency Michael Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, that visited a site currently sheltering 260 displaced people from 71 households.
Access to affected communities remains difficult due to damaged infrastructure, flooded roads, and disrupted communications. Needs are expected to rise as the full impact of the cyclone becomes clearer.
IOM will expand its response in the coming days as additional assessment data becomes available, working closely with government authorities and humanitarian partners to reach those most vulnerable.
