Regarding the potential deployment of an UNDAC Team in response to Tropical Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar, please note that OCHA, in consultation with the Government of Madagascar, continues to assess the need for coordination support.
Accordingly, the M-1 alert for Madagascar remains open to UNDAC members.
We thank you for your understanding and continued support.
OCHA ERS
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A tropical system that formed on 5 February in the Indian Ocean off Madagascar’s north-eastern coast intensified into Tropical Cyclone Gezani on 9 February. Madagascar and Mozambique face the highest risk of exposure, with coastal and low-lying areas expected to bear the brunt of strong winds, storm surge and heavy rainfall.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall in Madagascar in the evening of 10 February as an intense Tropical Cyclone, with significant humanitarian impacts anticipated across the south-western Indian Ocean region and potential secondary impacts in parts of Mozambique by 13 February. In Madagascar, landfall is likely along the eastern coast between Mananara Avaratra and Vatomandry. Highly populated areas, including Toamasina and Ambatondrazaka, are among those at highest risk.
By the afternoon of 10 February, the cyclone was tracking westward less than 200 km from the coastal city of Toamasina, Madagascar. It was expected to continue intensifying rapidly and could reach the stage of an intense tropical cyclone before making landfall near Toamasina. As a precaution, the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) has placed Analanjirofo and Atsinanana under red alert, while Ambatosoa, Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Betsiboka, Bongolava, Itasy, Vakinankaratra, Melaky, Menabe, Antalaha, Andapa, Mandritsara, Befandriana and Avaratra have been placed under yellow alert. Severe weather conditions are expected inland, particularly north of Antananarivo, south of Mahajanga and north of Toliara. Regional authorities in some areas, including Analamanga, have suspended school classes on 11 February as a public safety measure following the alerts.
The UN is working closely with the Government of Madagascar and its national disaster management authority (BNGRC) in preparing for a response.
