Rice fields and vanilla crops have been damaged in the North East by Cyclone Enawo

Tropical cyclone ENAWO (Category 4) traversed nearly the entire length of Madagascar during the second week of March, damaging 83,100 houses in 58 districts, according to Madagascar’s National Office for the Management of Risks and Crises (BNGRC), and leading to generalized flooding along the path of the storm that destroyed significant portions of household food stocks and supply.   

Emergency food distribution from government, NGOs and UN agencies is ongoing. WFP and CARE are distributing 500 metric tons of food in Antalaha, Maroantsetra, Brickaville and Antananarivo targeting 2,300 persons for 20 days. ONN distributed enriched flour in Antalaha, Maroantsetra and Brickaville districts and distributed and one week of cash for work to assist in the cleanup of Antananarivo. SAF/FJKM distributed cash to 500 households in Antananarivo for one month (50,000 MGA per household). CARITAS URGENCE expects to distribute food and cash in Ambovombe and Behara districts, in the South, starting April 2017 for 15 days. OCHA additionally issued a flash appeal on March 23rd.      

Due to losses of subsistence crops and household food supplies from cyclone-related flooding, food prices in local markets are increasing. Moreover, food availability will continue to be difficult in some remote areas cut off by damaged roads. In mid-March 2017, prices are exceptionally high compared to December 2016 in urban cities such as Antananarivo, Mahajanga, Toamasina and Antsirabe, where prices of imported rice increased by more than 20 percent, while prices of local rice rose by 30 percent. Maize prices also increased by 30 to 55 percent. However, price stability or decline was noticed in the South due to the beginning of off-season crop harvests (pulses and maize).

Rain has resumed across much of Madagascar since February 2017. The National Meteorology Department forecasts rainfall above normal in March and April throughout the country, which is positive for agricultural activities, but may elevate the risk of flooding, particularly in Antananarivo and in the South. Winds and heavy rains on March 25th caused additional damage to cash crops (breadfruits, cloves, etc.) in the Southeast.