Madagascar Faces Humanitarian Crisis After Successive Cyclones
The island nation of Madagascar is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis following the impact of two powerful cyclones within three weeks. Norwegian auxiliary nurse Terese Sørlie, who was visiting the country, is witnessing the devastation firsthand, describing the situation as akin to a war zone.
Cyclone Gezani Causes Widespread Destruction
The most recent blow came with Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar on Tuesday evening with wind gusts reaching up to 250 kilometers per hour. Sørlie, currently in the port city of Toamasina (too known as Tamatave), reports widespread power outages, destruction of hospitals, limited access to fuel, and a non-functional banking system. Toamasina, Madagascar’s second-largest city and most important port, has sustained significant damage.
“You must always make sure you have enough water and cash available,” Sørlie stated, highlighting the challenges faced by residents. She has been on the island since January 3rd and has taken the initiative to provide aid, purchasing rice, tarpaulins, and tin roofs for those who have lost their homes. She is funding these efforts through donations from friends in Norway.
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that approximately 400,000 people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance following the cyclones. WFP Director Tania Goossens, recently returned from a mission to Toamasina, described the scale of the destruction as “truly overwhelming.” Authorities estimate that 80 percent of the city has been damaged, with electricity service reduced to approximately five percent. There is currently no water supply.
As of February 16, 2026, authorities have reported 38 deaths and 374 injuries.
Political Context and Aid Delivery
Sørlie also had the opportunity to meet with Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the country’s president who came to power after a coup in October 2025. She noted his commitment to assisting the civilian population and clearing roads.
Food Security Concerns
WFP is currently distributing its remaining food stocks, coordinating with national disaster relief teams. But, the organization emphasizes that the current needs exceed its capacity and is appealing for urgent donor assistance. The latest disaster exacerbates an already critical food security situation, with 1.57 million people across the country affected by food insecurity, including 84,000 facing acute hunger even before the cyclones.
“We need sustained support in the coming months to assist people recover, rebuild and strengthen their resilience against further shocks,” Goossens stated.