On 19 January and 21 January 2009, the country was hit by Tropical Storm ‘Eric’  and Tropical Cyclone ‘Fanele’ (category four cyclone), resulting in extensive flooding and damage to homes, public buildings including 38 schools, roads and agricultural crops.

Tropical storm "Eric" caused extensive damage when it swept through the regions of Sofia, Sava, Atsinanana and Analanjirofo in the north-east of Madagascar, carrying heavy rains and wind speeds of up to 95 kilometres per hour km/h). Tropical storm 'Eric' finally made landfall in the district of Fenerive-Est.

Two days later, Tropical Cyclone 'Fanele' traveled at wind speeds of up to 210 km per hour (km/h) affecting the regions of Menabe, Ihorombe, Haute Matsiatra, Atsimo Atsinana and Anosy on the south-eastern parts of Madagascar. Fanele' finally made landfall at the town of Morondava, and the district of Miandrivaza. According to Madagascar's National Office for Natural Disaster Preparedness (BNGRC), both 'Eric' and 'Fanele'  resulted in 12 deaths and more than 50,000 people affected.

The country is also experiencing political instability which has resulted in riots and looting, leaving more than 80 people killed. More information, refer to Reports section below.