Madagascan President Michael Randrianirina visited the city of Toamasina on 11 February 2026, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani, which made landfall on the island on 10 February. The cyclone, one of the strongest to strike Madagascar in recent decades, has caused widespread destruction, leaving homes destroyed, infrastructure damaged, and many residents displaced. The President’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to providing immediate relief and coordinating recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
Cyclone Gezani’s impact
Cyclone Gezani brought torrential rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding to the eastern regions of Madagascar, with Toamasina being among the most severely affected cities. Early reports indicate that hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, local roads were washed out, and electricity and water supplies were disrupted in multiple neighborhoods.
Local authorities confirmed casualties, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of families, many of whom sought shelter in temporary relief camps. Schools, markets, and other essential public facilities also suffered significant damage, complicating rescue and recovery efforts
Presidential visit and response
During his visit, President Randrianirina toured several neighborhoods to assess the extent of the damage firsthand and meet with affected residents. He assured Madagascan that the government is mobilizing emergency response teams, including the military, civil protection agencies, and humanitarian organizations, to deliver food, clean water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter.
“The people of Toamasina have endured great hardship in the wake of Cyclone Gezani,” the President said. “Our priority is to ensure that every affected citizen receives immediate support and that long-term recovery measures are put in place to rebuild homes, restore services, and protect communities from future disasters.
Humanitarian Aid and relief efforts
National disaster response units have been deployed to provide relief to affected areas. These teams are distributing emergency food supplies, water, blankets, and medical aid to residents stranded by flooding and damaged infrastructure. Relief organizations have also set up temporary shelters to house displaced families and provide essential support services.
Authorities are conducting damage assessments to prioritize reconstruction and determine which areas need urgent repair, particularly in housing, roads, and public utilities. Emergency response efforts are coordinated with regional and international agencies to ensure efficient and timely aid distribution
Public reaction
Residents of Toamasina expressed a mixture of relief and concern during the President’s visit. Many welcomed the government’s swift presence, but others stressed the urgent need for long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of increasingly severe cyclones. Social media users across Madagascar highlighted the importance of rebuilding resilient infrastructure and enhancing early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities in the future.
One local resident commented, “We are grateful the President came to see the damage, but we need help now to rebuild our homes and schools. Every day without water, electricity, and food is a struggle
Looking ahead
The government has pledged to focus not only on immediate relief but also on long-term reconstruction and disaster preparedness. This includes rebuilding damaged infrastructure, improving flood defences, and strengthening early warning systems to minimize the impact of future cyclones.
Meteorologists warn that Madagascar, due to its location in the Indian Ocean, remains highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, particularly during the cyclone season. The lessons learned from Cyclone Gezani are expected to inform policy planning and community preparedness initiatives
