SADC Emergency Response Team arrives in Toamasina and integrates into Madagascar’s nationwide humanitarian response

On 18 February 2026, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Emergency Response Team (ERT) arrived in Toamasina, Madagascar and was formally built-in into the nation’s nationwide humanitarian response operations following the influence of Tropical Cyclone Gezani on tenth February 2026. 

To improve operational effectivity and enhance logistical coordination with the federal government and the opposite native and worldwide responders, the SADC ERT has relocated its humanitarian response coordination base to Toamasina in Atsinanana Region, one of many areas most severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

Atsinanana area is an important financial hub anchored by the port metropolis of Toamasina, situated alongside the japanese coast of Madagascar on the shores of the Indian Ocean, roughly 350 kilometres northeast of the capital, Antananarivo. Its strategic location makes it an important level for coordinating response and reduction efforts throughout impacted areas that embody Toamasina I and Toamasina II.

The SADC ERT started their mission in Toamasina with a courtesy name 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 help the Government’s response efforts. Mr. Jugus briefed the staff on the dimensions and influence of the catastrophe, outlined ongoing help to affected communities and supplied an replace on assessments being carried out to find out precedence wants and information response interventions.

Mr Antonio Jose Beleza, Team Leader of the SADC ERT, conveyed a message of solidarity to the Government and other people of Madagascar. He expressed condolences for the lives misplaced, sympathised with these injured and displaced, and acknowledged the intensive harm to infrastructure and livelihoods. He reaffirmed SADC’s dedication and warranted nationwide authorities that the ERT was prepared to totally combine into present operational buildings and contribute successfully to the humanitarian response.

The deployment of the SADC ERT varieties a part of a coordinated regional humanitarian response beneath the SADC catastrophe response framework. The staff will help the Government of Madagascar in conducting speedy assessments, strengthening search and rescue operations, enhancing data administration, and offering crucial technical help to affected communities.

This intervention underscores SADC’s continued dedication to supporting Member States throughout instances of disaster by regional solidarity and collective motion. In parallel, SADC activated inside processes to facilitate entry to the Regional Disaster Fund, complementing nationwide and worldwide useful resource mobilisation efforts in help of the Republic of Madagascar.

Since making landfall, Tropical Cyclone Gezani has affected 25 districts throughout 5 areas. As of the newest studies, 62 fatalities have been reported, 15 folks stay lacking and greater than 800 people have sustained accidents. Over 420,000 folks have been impacted, with tens of hundreds displaced and vital harm reported to properties, colleges, well being amenities and public infrastructure.