After Cyclone Fytia: Wildlife Madagascar Team Safe, Recovery Underway

Over the weekend of January 31 to February 1, Cyclone Fytia struck northern and central Madagascar with heavy rain and powerful winds, causing widespread flooding and destruction. National authorities report multiple deaths and tens of thousands of people affected.

Tents and a palm-thatched shelter lie wrecked after a storm, with leaning wooden frames and muddy debris on the ground.
  • A chaotic outdoor campsite after a storm: collapsed tents, a fallen palm tree, and scattered debris in a muddy field with flooded ground shine.
  • Damaged solar panels lying on bare sandy ground, some panels cracked and scattered after a collapse or storm

Wildlife Madagascar is relieved to confirm that all team members are safe, though the cyclone caused major damage to the organization’s field camp. Cyclone Fytia also significantly damaged the Namoroka Tsingy Camp, operated by ecotourism partner Madagascar Classic Collection, including its solar power system. Repairs are already underway and the camp is on track to be fully restored well before its planned mid-May 2026 opening.

Five friends stand with arms around each other on a muddy outdoor path, smiling in casual clothes and jackets after rain.

A special shout-out to Assistant Manager Falina Razafimamonjy for her leadership, resilience, and commitment during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and support. As communities and teams across Madagascar begin rebuilding, your encouragement means a great deal.

Update: Rebuilding Namoroka After the Cyclone

Following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Fytia earlier this year, recovery efforts at the Namoroka field camp are moving forward thanks to the dedication and resilience of the team and community partners.

One of the first priorities has been rebuilding and strengthening the foundation for long-term sustainability at the site. In the nursery, construction of three germination beds and two planting beds is now complete, supporting continued habitat restoration and future planting efforts in the region. Community gardens are also thriving again, with onions, carrots, zucchinis, leeks, eggplants, lettuce, chives, cabbages, and peppers now under cultivation. The composting initiative has proven especially effective, and plans are now underway to create eight additional compost pits to further support sustainable food production and soil enrichment.

At the camp itself, major reconstruction is underway. The team has focused first on building tent shelters, a house for the guard, and secure food storage facilities. Construction of the main field station, toilets, and showers is continuing steadily and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

  • Rows of green, lobed-leaf plants growing in a cleared garden bed with brown soil and a dense tree line in the background, likely an allotment.
  • Man bending over, digging dirt with a shovel in a deep, wide hole in a dusty outdoor area; barefoot and wearing a blue shirt and shorts.
  • Nursery beds with many small potted plants on wooden benches; a person pours water from a teal container overhead under a blue sky.

While there is still much work ahead, these milestones represent an important step forward after an incredibly difficult period. Wildlife Madagascar is deeply grateful to everyone who has supported the organization and the Namoroka team during this recovery process.

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