<br><br>**The Devastating Impact of Back-to-Back Cyclones on Madagascar A Crisis of Epic Proportions**<br><br>In this report, we explore the catastrophic consequences of consecutive cyclones that have left Madagascar's already vulnerable population reeling. With over 400,000 people facing acute humanitarian needs, the situation is dire.<br><br>**A Double Whammy The Unprecedented Impact of Cyclone Fytia and Gezani**<br><br>Just 10 days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia brought heavy rains and flooding to Madagascar, Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday evening with wind gusts reaching up to 250 kilometers per hour. This unprecedented double whammy has left the island's main port in ruins.<br><br>**The Extent of Destruction is Overwhelming**<br><br>WFP Country Director Tania Goossens recently visited the affected areas and witnessed firsthand the devastation. The scale of destruction is truly overwhelming, she said, describing nearly 40 deaths, 374 injuries, and widespread damage to buildings, businesses, schools, and hospitals.<br><br>**Families Left with Nothing A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds**<br><br>Many families have lost everything, with some forced to spend the night in homes where the roofs have been torn off. Others are sheltering in damaged homes or temporary sites, uncertain about how they can access their next meal.<br><br>**Rising Needs and Concerns A Complex Humanitarian Situation**<br><br>The humanitarian situation is further complicated by<br><br>* Urgent need for food<br>* Water, sanitation, and hygiene concerns<br>* Rising protection concerns for vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities<br><br>**Mobilizing Support A Call to Action**<br><br>WFP has been providing cash assistance to the most vulnerable households, enabling them to purchase some food and better prepare. However, the needs on the ground exceed WFP's capacity, and the agency is calling for urgent donor support.<br><br>**A Critical Food Security Situation The Need for Sustained Support**<br><br>Before the back-to-back cyclones, 1.57 million people across Madagascar were already food insecure, including 84,000 facing emergency levels of hunger. This latest disaster comes on top of an already critical situation, making funding shortfalls a major concern.<br><br>**The Way Forward Sustaining Support for Recovery and Resilience**<br><br>To help people recover, rebuild, and strengthen their resilience against further shocks, WFP will need sustained support over the coming months. The agency is facing a $18 million gap over the next six months to respond to both the lean season and cyclone response.<br><br>**Conclusion Building Long-Term Resilience in the Face of Recurring Disasters**<br><br>Madagascar's crisis is not just about immediate relief – it's about building long-term resilience in the face of recurring disasters. We urge donors to join us in supporting the people of Madagascar as they navigate this unprecedented crisis.<br><br>**Keywords** Madagascar, Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, WFP, Humanitarian Response, Food Security, Cash Assistance, Vulnerable Populations
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