Tropical Cyclone Fytia struck Madagascar with destructive force, causing widespread flooding and major displacement. The storm made landfall on the island’s western coast with winds reaching 210 km/h, leaving tens of thousands of people affected and triggering ongoing emergency response efforts.
The most heavily impacted areas include Soalala, Marovoay, and Mahajanga in the northwest. The capital, Antananarivo, experienced flooding and structural collapses. The cyclone made landfall near Maunga in western Madagascar before moving back out to sea via Vatomandry on the east coast.
Current reports indicate 7 deaths, more than 54,000 people affected, and over 8,000 displaced. More than 800 homes have been completely destroyed, with over 6,000 inundated. At least 24 classrooms have been damaged.
Emergency teams, including the Malagasy Red Cross, are actively conducting evacuations and providing relief. Humanitarian agencies continue to assess the situation, and figures may rise as access to affected areas improves.
Continued heavy rainfall is expected in northern and central‑western regions, heightening the risk of further flooding and landslides. Flooding has also compromised dams and riverbanks, increasing the risk of secondary disasters.
