The cyclone season of 2025 was particularly challenging for Madagascar, especially for the southwestern region of Atsimo Andrefana. Two successive cyclones—Honde on February 28 and Jude on March 15—struck the area, bringing torrential rains, widespread flooding, and the destruction of thousands of homes and key infrastructure.
While many regions were impacted, Atsimo Andrefana was the hardest hit. Nearly 54,000 people were affected, around 10,000 displaced, and over 4,000 homes destroyed. The cyclones wiped out houses, crops, and roads, severely disrupting livelihoods and food supplies.
In the rural commune of Toliara, located on the southwestern coast, the damage was especially severe in Milenaka, about 60 km from the main town. Violent winds tore roofs from homes or destroyed them entirely, while prolonged heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding.
Two residents of Milenaka, Donnée Tovony and Article Sosieté, shared their harrowing experiences during the cyclone.
“When the water level started to rise, we were forced to move to the school, which had been turned into an evacuation camp. There were only benches to sit on. Many homes were destroyed, and several families sought refuge with relatives,” said Donnée, a father of six.
Article Sosiete, a single mother of three, added:
“When the rain and wind hit violently, my children and I stayed in the center of the house because we couldn’t get out. We hung up our belongings to keep them from being swept away.”
Beyond the loss of homes, many families lost their crops and daily sources of food.
“After the cyclone, our area was flooded. The irrigation canals and all our crops were destroyed. There was nothing left but a few cassava leaves, which we picked to eat. Many people came to see the damage and take photos, but no one came to help us,” recalled Donnée.
For Article Sosiete, the impact was just as devastating:
“The water level rose and destroyed everything we planted. We still haven’t recovered. At one point, we had nothing to eat except boiled water. To this day, we’re still suffering. The cyclone swept away all our crops.”
To address their urgent needs, ADRA distributed food rations designed to last at least three weeks. Mareana, one of the recipients, shared her appreciation:
“The cyclone destroyed my house and my crops. Thankfully, ADRA provided us with 30 kg of rice, 4.5 kg of legumes, salt, and 3 liters of oil. I’m so grateful for this help.”
ADRA’s intervention helped alleviate some of the suffering of affected families. However, the needs remain immense in southern Madagascar and beyond, where communities remain highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. ADRA continues to serve those in need through partnerships with the government, donors, and other humanitarian organizations.
