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By Newz.Africa Desk | Antananarivo, Madagascar | 4 February 2026 | Cyclone Fytia Madagascar
Cyclone Fytia has killed at least three people in Madagascar. It has caused widespread flooding across the northwest and central regions of the island. More than 28 000 people have been affected, and thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed. The storm formed over the northern Mozambique Channel before making landfall with strong winds and heavy rain.
Severe flooding displaces families
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that over 8,000 people were displaced. Flooding destroyed more than 7,000 homes. Some neighbourhoods in Antananarivo flooded overnight as the city’s drainage system struggled to cope with the heavy rainfall. Officials warned that a weakened dyke on the Sisaony River will increase flooding in the coming days.
The hardest hit areas include Soalala, Marovoay, Mahajanga and parts of the capital. Rescue teams are working to reach affected communities while monitoring rising water levels. More than 800 homes were completely destroyed, and over 6 000 homes were flooded in the northwest.
Damage expected to increase as assessments continue
Authorities say the full scale of destruction is not yet known. Strong winds and rainfall of more than 150mm led to power cuts, blocked roads and damaged farmland. Fytia brought average wind speeds above 90 mph and gusts up to 130 mph. The storm moved back into the Indian Ocean. Meteorologists warned that more rain will follow in northern and central‑western regions.
Emergency teams plan to deploy water pumps in flooded areas. A recent dam collapse near Antananarivo has already worsened flooding around surrounding farmland. Officials say further assessments will decide priority needs.
Original Reporting
- Newz.Africa verified casualty figures and displacement numbers using BNGRC updates.
Primary Artefact
BNGRC provisional impact report on Cyclone Fytia (referenced across multiple news reports).
Sources
- Yahoo News report on deaths, flooding and impact figures.
- China Daily report on destruction and affected districts.
- Daily Times Nigeria report on rainfall, wind speed and flood risks.
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