Madagascar mobilised more than $15 million in emergency financing within seven days of a government request following Cyclone Gezani in February 2026 helping affected communities restore livelihoods, repair infrastructure and begin rebuilding homes.
The rapid funding was activated through the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) programme, which provides countries with pre-arranged financing to respond to climate related disasters. The programme enabled assistance to reach affected communities within days, supporting emergency relief and early recovery efforts.
Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern coast with winds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour just 10 days after Cyclone Fytia had hit the country. The disaster claimed 59 lives, severely damaged homes belonging to approximately 423,000 people and affected basic infrastructure and 286 schools. Learning was disrupted for more than 64,000 students.
For residents of Toamasina, one of the affected areas, the storm destroyed homes and disrupted everyday life. Lydia Anita, a 38 year old mother of three, recalled taking shelter with her children beneath a table as powerful winds tore the roof from their house and rain flooded the interior.
Her experience reflected the challenges faced by thousands of families who needed immediate assistance to meet basic needs and rebuild their lives.
Rapid financing supports emergency recovery
REPAIR is a World Bank Group programme implemented by African Risk Capacity Limited, the financial arm of the African Risk Capacity Group with support from the Global Shield Financing Facility.
Within seven days of the government request, the programme mobilised more than $15 million. This included $11 million channelled through the Fonds d’Intervention pour le Développement and $4.58 million through Madagascar’s National Contingency Fund.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance, particularly the Directorate General of the Treasury helped determine the allocation of resources and facilitate direct transfers to beneficiaries through established delivery channels.
The financing complemented the activation of the World Bank Group Contingent Emergency Response Project and built on the institution’s longstanding engagement with the Fonds d’Intervention pour le Développement.
The programme provided direct cash transfers emergency kits and food assistance to help households meet urgent needs. More than 400,000 people received financial or in-kind support as communities began restoring essential services and rebuilding damaged areas.
A key part of the recovery effort was a cash for work programme that benefited 40,000 households. Residents were paid to clear debris, clean neighbourhoods, rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and restore public facilities.
Local transport companies were also contracted to remove debris creating additional work for businesses affected by the disaster.
Participants received compensation for 20 days of work. The wider assistance package included food supplies and 1.5 kilograms of seeds, with support targeting nearly 57 per cent of Toamasina population.
The approach addressed two immediate priorities: providing temporary income to affected households and mobilising local workers to restore community infrastructure.
As roads became passable and public spaces reopened schools and other damaged buildings were rehabilitated helping residents return to their daily routines. The restoration of essential facilities also supported the resumption of education and other public services.
Beyond financial assistance the programme encouraged residents to participate directly in rebuilding their neighbourhoods.
Lydia joined the cash for work activities and later helped lead local recovery efforts. She said working alongside neighbours to clear debris and restore public spaces helped rebuild a sense of solidarity and confidence in the future.
The experience demonstrated how disaster assistance can support communities not only through immediate financial relief but also by involving residents in the recovery process.
Preparedness before disasters strike
Madagascar’s experience highlights the importance of arranging disaster financing before an emergency occurs. When funding mechanisms and delivery systems are established in advance governments can respond more quickly instead of waiting to organise resources after a disaster.
REPAIR combines pre-arranged financing with national institutions and existing delivery channels to help governments direct assistance towards affected households and communities.
Preparation began before Cyclone Gezani made landfall. Madagascar had completed its first REPAIR crisis simulation exercise several months earlier bringing together more than 50 experts to strengthen coordination disaster preparedness and financial resilience ahead of the cyclone season.
Caroline Cerruti, lead financial sector specialist and REPAIR regional lead at the World Bank Group said the programme was designed to help countries respond to climate shocks before they escalate into wider crises. Madagascar’s experience she noted, illustrated how advance financing could accelerate recovery while supporting longer term resilience.
The approach depends on coordination between governments, local implementing agencies development partners and donors. Effective delivery also requires clear allocation procedures and systems capable of transferring funds to intended beneficiaries quickly.
For countries increasingly exposed to severe storms and other climate related hazards, Madagascar’s recovery offers an example of how financial preparedness can complement emergency response and reconstruction.
However, the longer term effectiveness of such programmes depends on whether assistance reaches vulnerable households equitably essential services are restored sustainably and communities are better prepared for future disasters.
The experience following Cyclone Gezani underscores a central lesson in disaster risk management: recovery can begin sooner when financing institutions and delivery systems are ready before the next emergency strikes.