On 18 February 2026, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Emergency Response Team (ERT) arrived in Toamasina, Madagascar and was formally integrated into the country’s national humanitarian response operations following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Gezani on 10th February 2026.
To enhance operational efficiency and improve logistical coordination with the government and the other local and international responders, the SADC ERT has relocated its humanitarian response coordination base to Toamasina in Atsinanana Region, one of the areas most severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Gezani.
Atsinanana region is a vital economic hub anchored by the port city of Toamasina, located along the eastern coast of Madagascar on the shores of the Indian Ocean, approximately 350 kilometres northeast of the capital, Antananarivo. Its strategic location makes it a vital point for coordinating response and relief efforts across impacted regions that include Toamasina I and Toamasina II.
The SADC ERT began their mission in Toamasina with a courtesy call on Mr. Razafiarison Jean Jugus, Chief of Atsinanana Region, who welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation SADC for the deployment of a specialised personnel to support the Government’s response efforts. Mr. Jugus briefed the team on the scale and impact of the disaster, outlined ongoing assistance to affected communities and provided an update on assessments being conducted to determine priority needs and guide response interventions.
Mr Antonio Jose Beleza, Team Leader of the SADC ERT, conveyed a message of solidarity to the Government and people of Madagascar. He expressed condolences for the lives lost, sympathised with those injured and displaced, and acknowledged the extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. He reaffirmed SADC’s commitment and assured national authorities that the ERT was ready to fully integrate into existing operational structures and contribute effectively to the humanitarian response.
The deployment of the SADC ERT forms part of a coordinated regional humanitarian response under the SADC disaster response framework. The team will support the Government of Madagascar in conducting rapid assessments, strengthening search and rescue operations, enhancing information management, and providing critical technical assistance to affected communities.
This intervention underscores SADC’s continued commitment to supporting Member States during times of crisis through regional solidarity and collective action. In parallel, SADC activated internal processes to facilitate access to the Regional Disaster Fund, complementing national and international resource mobilisation efforts in support of the Republic of Madagascar.
Since making landfall, Tropical Cyclone Gezani has affected 25 districts across five regions. As of the latest reports, 62 fatalities have been reported, 15 people remain missing and more than 800 individuals have sustained injuries. Over 420,000 people have been impacted, with tens of thousands displaced and significant damage reported to homes, schools, health facilities and public infrastructure.
