Rebuild Lives in Tamatave After Cyclone Gezani

My name is Tobias Lippuner, writing from Rapperswil, Switzerland. Last summer, I worked with an NGO in Madagascar and built close relationships with families in Tamatave (Toamasina).

After Cyclone Gezani (February 10, 2026) struck the east coast, I am mobilizing immediate, direct support for families I personally know, as well as others in urgent need.

The Crisis: Severe Impact, Limited Attention

Cyclone Gezani hit Madagascar’s east coast with winds exceeding 150 km/h, causing major flooding, destroying homes, cutting electricity, and contaminating water sources. Crops have been damaged and many families have lost both shelter and food reserves.

Local media coverage confirms the severity of the storm:

Reuters reported multiple fatalities and widespread destruction

ReliefWeb Flash Update No 1 outlines the humanitarian impact.

GDACS issued Red Alerts for the cyclone event:

This is a severe local crisis. It may not dominate global headlines, but for families in Tamatave, the impact is immediate and life-changing.

My girlfriend is currently on the ground in Tamatave. She is safe, but she is witnessing firsthand how quickly families are running out of food and materials to repair their homes.

Our Plan: Direct, Fast, Transparent

Funding Goal: CHF 7'500

Support for 150 families

Cost per Family: approximately CHF 50 (around 250,000 MGA)

What Each Family Receives

Food (approx. 47,000 MGA | CHF 9.4)

5 kg rice

2 kg beans or lentils

1 dozen eggs

1 kg onions or tomatoes

1 kg bananas

Clean Water (approx. 32,000 MGA | CHF 5.1)

20L bottled water

Water purification tablets (50L capacity)

House Repair Materials (approx. 167,000 MGA | CHF 33.4)

10x12 ft tarpaulin

Zinc sheets (approx. 2m² equivalent)

Nails

Hammer

Rope

Additionally gofundme fees + international transfer

Total per family: approx. 250,000 MGA / CHF 50

Why This Works

Direct Local Network

Purchases are coordinated through my trusted local contacts in Tamatave to ensure fair prices and rapid distribution.

Phased Rollout

Week 1: Purchase and distribute food and water

Week 2: Distribute tarps and repair materials

Ongoing: Monitoring and updates until stabilization (target: April 2026)

Immediate Impact

Funds go directly into essential goods without international administrative overhead.

Transparency & Accountability

Public Tracking: A shared Google Sheet updated weekly with receipts, quantities purchased, and distribution photos and videos.

If Funds Exceed Target: We will expand the number of supported families and, if appropriate, collaborate with established organizations such as Money for Madagascar.

Final Report: A complete breakdown of how every CHF was spent.

How You Can Help

Donate

CHF 50 supports one full family package. Any contribution makes a measurable difference.

Share

Forward this campaign via WhatsApp, social media, or speak directly with friends and colleagues.

Stretch Goal

CHF 9,000 would allow support for 180+ families and expanded hygiene supplies.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact me. Donations via Twint to my number are also possible.

With gratitude,

Tobias Lippuner

Rapperswil, Switzerland

Every share and every donation counts. Time is critical, and these families cannot wait!