On Tuesday, February 10, intense tropical cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s east coast, hitting the city of Toamasina with full force. The cyclone caused widespread destruction, displaced thousands of people, and left dozens dead or injured. Action Against Hunger teams on the ground are working alongside affected communities to provide emergency assistance and coordinate the humanitarian response to rapidly growing needs.
Action Against Hunger quickly mobilized teams and provided essential logistical support, including chainsaws, a generator, and a satellite connection to facilitate emergency coordination. Priority needs include emergency shelter, access to safe drinking water, health care, food assistance, and the restoration of essential services.
In the coming days, teams will distribute kitchen and hygiene kits to several shelters to meet the most urgent needs. Given the scale of the crisis, Action Against Hunger is launching an emergency appeal to support the communities hardest hit by the cyclone.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, 31 people have died, four remain missing, and 35 were injured. Several hundred thousand people have been affected, and thousands have been forced to seek refuge in shelters that are already under significant strain.
Madagascar was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Chronic food insecurity, recurrent droughts in the south, and high climate vulnerability had placed millions at risk. The cyclone has now intensified these challenges. In 2025, more than 1.2 million people in southern Madagascar were already food insecure.
“In the Great South, the main challenge remains acute malnutrition among very young children. The lean season and the sharp decline in agricultural production in many districts are further aggravating the situation,” explains Dr. Sebbag. “Action Against Hunger is heavily involved in providing nutritional treatments, medicines, and awareness-raising activities to communities.”
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
Join our community of supporters passionate about ending world hunger.
