UNICEF Opens Schools in Madagascar -

UNICEF has opened temporary schools in the Eastern part of Madagascar devasted by Cyclone Fytia and Gezani.

Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, left at least 59 dead, 15 missing, and 804 injured. Toamasina, Antalaha, and Sambava were affected . Authorities report that 423,986 homes were damaged, forcing more than 1,428 people from their residences.

Tanjona, Head of Education Section at UNICEF said “Many children and their families are disaster victims; they no longer have homes, and their belongings, such as notebooks and books, were damaged by the rain and flooding.“

Gratitude

School Principal Eveline expressed her gratitude to partners who “provided roofing sheets to repair the school so that students can resume classes as quickly as possible, especially with official exams approaching.”

The ongoing relief operation includes the construction of temporary classrooms and shelters, while teams continue to clear debris and assess housing damage.

Widespread destruction, including collapsed roofs, flooded streets and damaged infrastructure, highlighting the scale of the disaster and the urgency of the response.

UNICEF logo

Families gathered near temporary shelters, while UNICEF staff assemble makeshift classrooms and distribute essential school supplies. Children queued with their parents to receive kits containing notebooks, pencils, and learning materials as part of the agency’s effort to restore education amid ongoing recovery.

Jean Golbert, a representative of local parents said “The cyclone took everything from us, We have nothing left. The classrooms are destroyed, and the principal’s office is gone. We cannot repair it ourselves, so we urgently need support.”

Source – Viory