Antananarivo, February 17: The death toll from Cyclone Guezani in Madagascar has risen to 59, with 804 people reported injured, according to the National Risk and Disaster Management Office on Monday.
More than 420,000 people across 25 districts in five regions of eastern and central Madagascar have been affected by the cyclone. Over 49,000 houses have been damaged, while more than 25,000 homes have been completely destroyed.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas, with authorities assessing the damage and providing assistance to the impacted population.
In light of the widespread devastation, the Malagasy government declared a “national disaster” on February 11. The cyclone has caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, exacerbated by severe flooding and economic losses.
The government cited loss of life and displacement of communities as key reasons for declaring the disaster. The situation has been further worsened by Cyclone Guezani following the earlier Cyclone Fitia and ongoing heavy rainfall.
Last Thursday, the United Nations announced that it has allocated $3 million for emergency relief in Madagascar. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund will assist over 90,000 people. Additional funds from other donors have also accelerated relief efforts.
Initial reports indicate that over 250,000 people have been affected, with approximately 7,000 displaced. More than 65,000 homes have been flooded or damaged/destroyed, and about 600 classrooms are partially or completely unusable.
OCHA has reported that the government has appealed for international assistance and is leading search and rescue, evacuation, shelter, and food aid operations. With the support of the UN and partner organizations, nearly 800 metric tons of rice are also being distributed.
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