People travel by a pirogue in flood water after Cyclone Gezani hit Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani. The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
ANTANANARIVO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.
The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses.
The decree cited the tragic loss of life and disruption of communities as key factors. It also said that the Cyclone Gezani severely affected several regions of Madagascar, exacerbating an already dire situation following Cyclone Fytia and ongoing heavy rainfall.
The government has now committed itself to executing emergency response and relief operations, with an urgent call for both national and international support to address the immediate needs of affected populations.
In accordance with relevant legal provisions, the decree takes effect immediately upon its publication through radio and television broadcasts. ■
Flooded farmlands are seen after Cyclone Gezani hit Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.
The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
A boatman delivers passengers after Cyclone Gezani hit Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.
The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
A boatman rows a boat in flood water after Cyclone Gezani hit Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.
The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
Flooded farmlands are seen after Cyclone Gezani hit Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.
The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)
Waterlogged houses are seen after Cyclone Gezani hit Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Malagasy government declared a "state of national disaster" on Wednesday in response to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.
The storm brought extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods, along with severe flooding and significant economic losses. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)