Madagascar

Key Developments

Five consecutive tropical cyclones or storms have made landfall over Madagascar since late January, resulting in at least 207 deaths, adversely affecting an estimated 960,000 people, and leaving at least 470,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the Government of Madagascar and UN.

Drought conditions persist in large areas of southern Madagascar, despite increased rainfall associated with the passage of tropical storm systems. Between 1.5 and 2 million people in Madagascar—particularly in the south—are currently in need of emergency food assistance, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network. Food security is likely to deteriorate further in the coming months in the absence of additional humanitarian assistance.

USAID is also responding to disasters in neighboring Southern Africa countries.

Background

Madagascar experiences a variety of natural hazards, including tropical cyclones, drought, flooding, and recurrent locust infestations. USAID’s response strategy in Madagascar focuses on addressing urgent humanitarian needs while investing in disaster risk reduction programs that strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for and mitigate the effects of disasters. Activities have included supporting conservation agriculture, locust control efforts, and helping flood-affected communities adapt to decrease their vulnerability to flooding.