Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar: Switzerland deploys specialists and equipment
Bern, 13.02.2026 — In response to the critical humanitarian situation caused by Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar, Switzerland will be sending a team of eight experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) as well as equipment. The deployment comes as the island faces its second cyclone in the space of two weeks.
Tropical cyclone Gezani has caused extensive damage on the east coast of Madagascar, in the Toamasina II district, with powerful gusts of wind. It was accompanied by heavy rainfall which has caused widespread flooding. The local population was already slowly recovering from a previous cyclone that swept through Madagascar some ten days earlier.
Experts and equipment
The country's authorities have launched an appeal for international aid in light of the scale of the disaster and the resulting humanitarian needs. The FDFA immediately offered its assistance to the government of Madagascar, which accepted. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is to deploy a team of eight experts from the SHA. Comprising water, sanitation and hygiene specialists, it will be leaving for Madagascar this Saturday. The team will work closely with the country's authorities and organisations present on the ground. The aim will be to meet urgent needs in terms of access to drinking water and sanitary infrastructures, and to prevent health risks.
The SDC is also preparing to deliver more than two tonnes of equipment. The shipment due to leave on Friday includes two modules, each capable of supplying 5,000 people with drinking water, and equipment for cleaning contaminated wells. In addition, the SDC plans to provide financial support for emergency operations by partner organisations. It has earmarked a maximum of CHF 1 million for all these measures.
Mozambique also under threat
Tropical cyclone Gezani is heading for the coast of Mozambique, which has already been impacted by several storms in recent weeks. The country has experienced its worst floods for two decades. The SDC released CHF 1 million to the World Food Programme to help meet the country's food and logistical needs.