Tropical cyclone ALVARO-24, Madagascar 2024

The first cyclone of 2024 made landfall on the west coast of Madagascar on 1 January 2024. The Data in Emergencies (DIEM) team at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) examined satellite images in the days following tropical cyclone ALVARO‑24 to understand the impact. This StoryMap provides the potential impact of the flooding on agricultural production and livelihoods in Madagascar. Key highlights: According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), tropical cyclone ALVARO made landfall over the southwestern and central coast of Madagascar on 1 January 2024. The tropical cyclone crossed into the southern and central regions on 2 January 2024. The tropical cyclone caused the following damage which has been sourced from the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC): ten people died; more than 9 500 people were displaced and relocated to 36 evacuation centres; almost 26 000 people were affected; 241 settlements were completely destroyed; 426 houses were damaged; and 15 schools were damaged. The worst-hit regions were identified as: Atsimo-Andrefana, Fitovinany, Ihorombe, Matsiatra and Menabe. The tropical cyclone affected about half of the total affected by tropical cyclone Freddy in 2023. However, the damages remain significant and the effects on lives and livelihoods are glaring. Based on DIEM analysis of satellite images, the flood extent as of 8 January 2024 was 468 000 hectares (ha). About 131 000 ha of cropland has been potentially impacted. The tropical cyclone hit during the peak of the growing season for rice. Fishery livelihoods have also been affected causing an impact on income levels. Food insecurity could be affected by the temporary lack of access to fresh fish and the potential reduction in foreseeable rice yields, particularly in flooded areas.. It is expected that this will lead to reduced availability and access to food for households reliant on these livelihoods for the 2024 and 2025 consumption year. Risks of increasing malnutrition are prevalent as was the case following the floods caused by Batsirai and Emnati in 2022.