Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar on February 10, 2026, has had a devastating impact on the nation, particularly on its vulnerable children. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, the cyclone has displaced at least 6,000 children and left nearly 29,000 unable to attend school. It is particularly alarming that this is the second climate-related disaster to hit Madagascar within just two weeks, affecting over 270,000 people and highlighting the pressing need for humanitarian assistance in the region.

The hardest-hit area is the Atsinanana region, especially Toamasina, the country's second-largest city and main port. Severe damage to homes has forced families into overcrowded shelters, putting thousands of children at risk of protection-related issues. These include risks of family separation, exposure to violence and exploitation, and psychological trauma, significantly worsening their living conditions in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

This situation underscores the compounded challenges faced by Madagascar as it endures successive cyclones, raising concerns around climate resilience and the protection of its most vulnerable populations. There is an urgent call for support to address both the immediate needs and the long-term recovery for these children and their families, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.