Madagascar

28 July 2023

The current drought, the worst in 40 years, and the devastating impacts of Cyclones Freddy and Cheneso in 2023 have heightened the risk of famine in southern Madagascar and have had major impacts on agricultural land. Crops have been destroyed during their early stages of growth and germination, resulting in livelihood loss and aggravating food insecurity in the region. In 2023, 3.9 million people, including nearly 500,000 children, face critical food shortages. From August–October 2023, 59,000 are expected to face Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity. The affected population urgently needs food, NFIs, shelter, protection, education, WASH, and health services. (USAID 12/05/2023, ECHO accessed 01/08/2023, IPC 04/01/2023)

28 April 2023

Madagascar is currently experiencing a humanitarian emergency as a result of Cyclone Freddy in 2023, Cyclones Batsirai and Emnati in 2022, and a devastating drought in the Grand Sud from 2020–2022. These events have caused significant damage to crops, arable land, and livestock, resulting in the loss of livelihoods and worsened food insecurity.

Approximately 3.86 million people are in urgent need of assistance, including more than 454,900 children who require treatment for acute malnutrition. The health system was already under strain, and these recurring crises only aggravate the situation. The emergency has resulted in a pressing need for food, health, shelter, WASH, and protection services.

(OCHA 28/04/2023, FEWS NET 31/03/2022, FAO 18/08/2022)

06 April 2023

Tropical Cyclone Freddy made two landfalls on 21 February and 4 March 2023, affecting approximately 299,000 people, displacing over 70,000 people, killing 17 people, destroying homes, and causing major damage to public infrastructure. Those displaced are mostly hosted in schools, some of which were already previously affected by Cyclone Cheneso. Those affected are in need of WASH facilities, shelter, food, and NFIs. (WFP 06/04/2023, ECHO 15/03/2023)

23 March 2023

On 21 February 2023, and again on 4 March, Cyclone Freddy landed on the southeastern and southwestern coastal regions of Madagascar, affecting an estimated 266,000 people, displacing more than 87,000, and killing 17. The cyclone destroyed homes and property, damaging roads and power and communication lines and hindering aid operations in these regions. On 21 February, schools were indefinitely suspended in the ten regions most affected by the cyclone. The affected population urgently needs food, NFI, shelter, protection, education, WASH, and health services.
(NYT 09/03/2023, IFRC 23/03/2023, WFP 08/03/2023, npr 14/03/2023)