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Toamasina, Madagascar – A Southern African Development Community (SADC) Emergency Response Team (ERT) arrived in Toamasina, Madagascar on February 18, 2026, and has been integrated into the nation’s humanitarian response following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Gezani. The cyclone made landfall on February 10, 2026, compounding the challenges already faced after Tropical Cyclone FYTIA struck earlier in the month.

The deployment underscores SADC’s commitment to regional solidarity and providing critical support to member states facing natural disasters. The team’s relocation of its coordination base to Toamasina, a vital economic hub located approximately 350 kilometers northeast of the capital, Antananarivo, will enhance logistical efficiency and coordination with government and local responders.

The SADC ERT’s mission began with a meeting with Mr. Razafiarison Jean Jugus, Chief of the Atsinanana Region, where the team received a briefing on the scale of the disaster and ongoing relief efforts. Mr. Jugus outlined the immediate needs of affected communities and shared updates on damage assessments. The Atsinanana region, heavily impacted by Cyclone Gezani, is crucial for Madagascar’s economy due to its port city of Toamasina.

Antonio Jose Beleza, Team Leader of the SADC ERT, expressed condolences for the loss of life and acknowledged the widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. He assured national authorities that the team is prepared to fully integrate into existing operational structures and contribute effectively to the humanitarian response. “SADC reaffirms its commitment to supporting the people of Madagascar during this difficult time,” Beleza stated.

Cyclone Gezani’s Impact: A Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Tropical Cyclone Gezani brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges, triggering widespread flooding and landslides across Madagascar. As of February 18, 2026, reports indicate that at least 62 fatalities have been confirmed, with 15 people still missing and over 800 injured. More than 420,000 people have been affected, and tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes.

Significant damage has been reported to critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, and health facilities. Over 25,700 houses were flooded, 48,000 partially damaged, and 25,000 destroyed, according to the latest reports. At least 781 classrooms and 30 health facilities have been damaged, disrupting access to essential services. Agricultural losses are also substantial, particularly in rice-producing areas, with more than 382,000 people facing acute food security needs.

SADC’s Response and Regional Coordination

The SADC ERT will focus on conducting rapid assessments, strengthening search and rescue operations, enhancing information management, and providing technical assistance to affected communities. This intervention is part of a broader coordinated regional humanitarian response under the SADC disaster response framework. SADC has also activated internal processes to facilitate access to the Regional Disaster Fund, complementing national and international resource mobilization efforts.

The deployment follows closely on the heels of Cyclone FYTIA, which impacted Madagascar on January 31, 2026, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. The combined impact of these two cyclones has placed a significant strain on the country’s resources and response capabilities.

Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Madagascar

The SADC ERT will remain in Madagascar from February 16 to 28, 2026, providing ongoing support to national authorities. Humanitarian partners estimate that $49 million is urgently required to support 382,000 people over the next two and a half months, complementing the Government’s $142 million appeal. Significant funding gaps remain, hindering the scale-up of assistance.

The situation in Madagascar remains fluid, and continued monitoring and support will be crucial in the coming weeks and months. The focus will be on providing immediate relief to affected communities, restoring essential services, and supporting long-term recovery efforts.

Share your thoughts and reactions to this developing story in the comments below.

Innsbruck, Austria – An Austrian court has convicted a 37-year-old man of manslaughter following the death of his girlfriend on Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, in January 2025. Thomas P. Received a five-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €9,400 (approximately $11,100 USD as of February 20, 2026) for causing the death of Kerstin G. Through gross negligence, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment. The case, which drew international attention from the mountaineering community, centers around the circumstances surrounding Kerstin G.’s death from hypothermia after being left alone during a descent.

The court heard that the couple encountered difficulties during a climb in freezing conditions and fell behind schedule. Around 50 meters below the summit, Kerstin G., 33, became exhausted and unable to continue. Thomas P. Then left her to seek help, and she subsequently died of hypothermia. The prosecution argued that a series of critical errors contributed to her death, marking a rare instance of criminal prosecution stemming from a climbing accident and potentially setting a precedent for liability in mountain sports.

The Descent and the Emergency Response

According to court testimony, Thomas P. Descended from the peak in stormy conditions during the early hours of January 19, 2025. Webcam footage reportedly shows him descending with a torch, as reported by multiple news outlets. However, prosecutors highlighted that he did not adequately equip his girlfriend for the conditions she faced although waiting for rescue. Specifically, he did not wrap her in an emergency blanket or bivouac bag, despite these items being in her backpack. When questioned about this, he stated the situation was “particularly stressful,” according to The Guardian.

Further compounding the issue, the court found that Thomas P.’s initial call to mountain police did not clearly convey the urgency of the situation and the need for a rescue. He also allegedly failed to respond to return calls and messages from authorities seeking clarification. He claimed his phone was on airplane mode to conserve battery power, a justification the court did not discover sufficient.

A Rare Prosecution and its Implications

The one-day trial in Innsbruck attracted significant attention, as prosecutions related to climbing accidents are exceedingly rare. Experts suggest this case could reshape international standards for liability in mountain sports. Thomas P. Had pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer characterized the incident as a “tragic accident.” Despite this, the court found him guilty of gross negligent manslaughter.

The case raises complex questions about the extent of legal responsibility in high-altitude mountaineering, where inherent risks are substantial. The court’s decision suggests that climbers, particularly those acting as de facto trip leaders, have a duty of care towards their companions.

The incident occurred approximately 50 meters from the summit of Großglockner, a peak reaching 3,798 meters (12,460 feet) in height, according to DW.com. Kerstin G. Died of hypothermia, a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

What Comes Next

The outcome of this case is likely to prompt further discussion and scrutiny of safety protocols and legal considerations within the mountaineering community. It remains to be seen whether this conviction will lead to a significant shift in how liability is assessed in similar situations. The suspended sentence allows Thomas P. To remain free, but the conviction will undoubtedly have lasting consequences.

What are your thoughts on this case? Share your comments below and let us know what you think about the responsibilities of climbers in challenging conditions.