The World Bank has approved US$37 million to support people affected by Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, which struck Madagascar within three weeks, leaving at least 38 dead and more than 260,000 people affected nationwide.
In a statement released Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, the lender said the initial response plan will assist 40,000 households through social cash transfers, cash-for-work programs, nutritional support, and efforts to restore water and electricity services. The plan also aims to strengthen national coordination for emergency relief.
“The World Bank is fully committed to supporting Madagascar as it helps people restore their livelihoods, recover economically and rebuild in a more resilient and sustainable way,” said Atou Seck, the institution’s resident representative in Madagascar.
The funding will also support sector-specific recovery measures, including rebuilding essential services such as schools and health facilities, and repairing transport infrastructure damaged by the storms.
Cyclone Fytia brought heavy rainfall and flooding, while Cyclone Gezani caused widespread destruction with wind gusts of up to 250 kilometers per hour, according to the World Food Programme. The country’s second-largest city, Tamatave, was hardest hit, with authorities estimating that around 80 percent of the city sustained damage. Urgent needs include water, sanitation, hygiene, and shelter for displaced families.
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As of Feb. 13, authorities had recorded 38 deaths and 374 injuries. Thousands of families have lost homes, and numerous businesses, schools, and public buildings were damaged. The cumulative effect of the two cyclones has left approximately 400,000 people in urgent need of assistance.
The government declared a national state of emergency and appealed for international aid to bolster relief and recovery efforts. The World Bank’s contribution is expected to complement support from other humanitarian organizations and development partners operating in the region.
Madagascar is frequently exposed to cyclones, and experts warn that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of such storms. The World Bank said the funding will also aim to promote reconstruction that is more resilient and sustainable, mitigating future disaster risks.
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The combined impact of the cyclones threatens to reverse recent progress in social and economic development, with agriculture, infrastructure, and urban services among the most severely affected sectors. The World Bank’s engagement underscores the urgent need for coordinated disaster response and long-term resilience planning in Madagascar.
Madagascar is one of the countries most vulnerable to tropical cyclones, with an average of three to four major storms hitting the island annually. Its long coastline, combined with limited disaster preparedness and fragile infrastructure, makes populations in coastal cities particularly exposed to flooding, wind damage, and landslides.
Cyclones Fytia and Gezani struck just three weeks apart, compounding the damage and straining national emergency response systems. Cyclone Fytia primarily caused heavy rainfall and flooding, while Gezani brought sustained high winds, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals, and severely affecting the agricultural sector, which supports a large portion of the population.
According to the World Food Programme, Madagascar’s vulnerability is exacerbated by high poverty rates, limited access to clean water, and widespread reliance on subsistence farming. The recent storms disrupted food supply chains and livelihoods, especially in urban and peri-urban areas such as Tamatave, the country’s second-largest city.
The government has a history of requesting international assistance following major disasters. Past cyclone responses have involved coordination with the United Nations, the Red Cross, and bilateral donors to provide emergency relief and rebuild damaged infrastructure. However, repeated disasters have highlighted the need for improved disaster risk management, early warning systems, and investments in resilient infrastructure.
The World Bank has previously supported Madagascar in climate adaptation, infrastructure, and social protection projects. The current US$37 million funding aims not only to provide immediate relief but also to strengthen systems to withstand future cyclones and mitigate the economic and social impact of recurring natural disasters.
