Integrating Protection, Gender and Inclusion into Early Action: the Experience of the Cyclone Early Action Protocol in Madagascar

In order to anticipate the impacts of cyclones and take action before they strike, the Malagasy Red Cross (CRM) has developed a Cyclone Early Action Protocol (PAP) enabling pre-emptive measures to be triggered on the basis of predefined meteorological thresholds. On 9 February 2026, this protocol was partially activated in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Gezani, following confirmation by the Directorate-General of Meteorology (DGM) that the cyclone was at risk of making landfall on the east and north-east coasts of Madagascar.

Pre-emptive measures were mainly implemented in the districts of Fénérive Est and Toamasina, in coordination with local risk and disaster management bodies. These included, in particular, the dissemination of early warnings, support for the preventive evacuation of vulnerable populations, and the distribution of dignity kits to women and girls sheltered in temporary evacuation sites. This response illustrates how integrating considerations relating to protection, gender and inclusion can help to strengthen the quality, accessibility and impact of pre-emptive response mechanisms, particularly for those populations most at risk.