Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar's eastern coast on 10 February 2026, the African Union Commission (AUC) successfully conducted a Humanitarian Assessment and Solidarity Mission to the Republic of Madagascar from 16 to 21 March 2026.
The mission was deployed by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in response to the Government of Madagascar’s declaration of a national disaster and its international appeal for assistance. The assessment was carried out by a joint team of experts from the AUC’s Humanitarian Affairs team and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
During the mission, the delegation assessed the extensive humanitarian consequences of the cyclone, which affected an estimated 478,000 people across eastern and central Madagascar. Reports confirmed that the disaster resulted in at least 59 fatalities, displaced more than 20,800 people and affected 478,000. Over 800 injuries, and widespread displacement, and thousands of people have been forced from their homes across northeastern Madagascar.
During the field visit to Toamasina, the capital of the Atsinanana region in Madagascar the delegation observed severe sectoral impacts, including:
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An acute shelter crisis with over 25,000 homes destroyed, with local actors placing the gap in shelter needs at over 70%.
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Disrupted food security due to crop destruction and damage to logistics hubs like the port of Toamasina.
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Increased risks of waterborne diseases from damaged water and sanitation systems.
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Strained health services and protection concerns for vulnerable groups, including an estimated 6,000 displaced children.
In a demonstration of the African Union's solidarity, the delegation facilitated the distribution of approximately USD 20,000 worth of food and non-food items to vulnerable households in the affected areas. This was complemented by a Humanitarian Gesture Fund of USD 200,000, provided as per the AUC Chairperson’s guidance to support ongoing relief efforts.
The mission’s engagements included high-level discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Disaster Risk Management Office (BNGRC), the local authorities in Toamasina, international humanitarian partners, and representatives from affected communities. The delegation also conducted field visits to the hardest-hit areas in Tomatav 2 area, which significantly impacted by Cyclone Gezani, where the African Union delegation interacted directly with affected populations, local communities, and humanitarian actors on the ground to assess needs and convey a message of solidarity from the African Union.
The mission observed strong governemnt coordination and progress toward recovery and efforts to restore essential services and support affected populations.It noted that the situation remains at a critical stage, with ongoing infrastructure challenges, persistent needs, and emerging livelihood pressures. The mission underscored the importance of sustained, targeted support to vulnerable groups to ensure no one is left behind.
The mission’s findings highlighted priority needs for the coming months, including emergency shelter, food assistance, water and sanitation services, and emergency healthcare. Short-term recovery efforts are expected to focus on rehabilitating water systems and health and electricity infrastructure, while long-term support will be crucial for livelihood recovery, shelter reconstruction, and strengthening disaster risk reduction measures to build resilience against future climate-related shocks.
For more information about the mission, please contact:
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Ms. Rita Amukhobu | Head Humanitarian Affairs Division, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development| Email: AmukhobuR@africanunion.org
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Mildred Linet Nafula Ouma | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | Email: mildredl@AfricanUnion.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org
