The Russian Orthodox Church is continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to residents of eastern Madagascar affected by Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

On September 23, with support from donors to the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, aid was distributed to 180 families in the municipality of Mahanoro and the city of Toamasina, according to the Exarchate. The assistance included blankets, school supplies for children and toys. The distribution was coordinated by Father Seraphim Zafilahi, rector of Orthodox parishes in the area.

The latest distribution follows an earlier large-scale relief effort. In February, the Russian Orthodox Church delivered seven tons of rice, 1,200 bottles of cooking oil, blankets, lighting equipment, construction materials, food and hygiene supplies to communities around Toamasina. At the time, approximately 1,150 families received assistance.

Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern coast on February 10, 2026, with wind gusts reaching 250 kilometers per hour. The storm hit the Toamasina area, home to Madagascar’s second-largest city and a major port. Nearly 432,000 people were affected, while almost 29,000 homes were flooded, more than 49,000 were damaged and approximately 25,000 were completely destroyed.

The cyclone also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, water systems and electricity networks.

Although many displaced residents have since returned home, the effects of the disaster continue to be felt. Data published in August, citing the International Organization for Migration, indicated that about 83 percent of displaced residents in the Atsinanana region had returned to their communities.

Many returnees, however, found their homes severely damaged or in need of repairs. Families in the affected areas continue to require food, shelter, clean drinking water and medical assistance.

The continuing relief efforts by the Russian Orthodox Church and its partners are aimed at supporting communities as they recover from the cyclone and address their ongoing humanitarian needs.