MSF response to Cyclones in Madagascar

Between 5 and 22 February, cyclones Batsirai and Emnati hit the east coast of Madagascar, causing widespread damage and destroying numerous health centres. More than XX people have been affected. MSF emergency teams have struggled to reach isolated rural areas where people have very limited access to healthcare and other essential services.
Due to the ensuing flooding and destroyed infrastructure, MSF emergency teams had to overcome many logistical challenges to bring assistance to people living in isolated rural areas.
This is the latest in a series of climate shocks Madagascar has experienced in recent years. The country faces cyclones, flooding and drought at regular intervals - the Southern part of the country is just recovering from the effects of an exceptionally severe drought, which caused alarming levels of malnutrition. Madagascar is affected by tropical storms of varying intensity every year, with the Level 4 cyclone Batsirai causing extensive damage.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that extreme weather events like cyclones will become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Drought is also likely to increase in Madagascar, because of a combination of rising temperatures, deforestation and land use practices.

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