The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed its Emergency Response Team (ERT) to Madagascar following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which made landfall on February 10, 2026. The team arrived in Toamasina on February 18, 2026, and is now working alongside national humanitarian response operations.
Regional Response to Widespread Damage
The deployment is part of a coordinated regional effort under the SADC disaster response framework. The SADC ERT will focus on rapid assessments, strengthening search and rescue, improving information management, and providing technical assistance to affected communities.
Toamasina was chosen as the base of operations to improve logistical efficiency and coordination with the government and other responders. Mr. Razafiarison Jean Jugus, Chief of Atsinanana Region, welcomed the SADC delegation and provided a briefing on the scale of the disaster and ongoing relief efforts.
Significant Humanitarian Impact
Tropical Cyclone Gezani has impacted 25 districts across five regions of Madagascar. As of recent reports, 62 fatalities have been confirmed, with 15 people still missing and over 800 injured. More than 420,000 people have been affected, and tens of thousands have been displaced.
Antonio Jose Beleza, Team Leader of the SADC ERT, expressed condolences for the loss of life and reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting the people of Madagascar. SADC has also activated processes to access the Regional Disaster Fund to support resource mobilization efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the SADC ERT?
The SADC ERT is deployed to support the Government of Madagascar in its response to Tropical Cyclone Gezani, providing technical assistance in areas such as rapid assessments, search and rescue, and information management.
Where is the SADC ERT based?
The SADC ERT has relocated its humanitarian response coordination base to Toamasina in the Atsinanana Region of Madagascar.
What has been the impact of Cyclone Gezani?
As of the latest reports, Tropical Cyclone Gezani has affected 25 districts across five regions, resulting in 62 fatalities, 15 missing persons, over 800 injuries, and impacting more than 420,000 people.
As the SADC ERT integrates into ongoing operations, the focus will likely be on providing sustained support to affected communities and assisting in long-term recovery efforts. How will the international community continue to support Madagascar in rebuilding after these successive cyclones?
