TSF deployed from its international headquarters on February 15th in response to the category 3 Cyclone Giovanna which hit the eastern coast of the island, killing 26 people, affecting 663,000 and displacing 133,000 according to the BNGRC (National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management).

In coordination with the BNGRC, the TSF team assessed the telecom situation and identified the needs for telecommunications of NGOs, local authorities and populations after the cyclone in the towns of Moramanga, Ranomafana, Vatomandry, Antsampanana and Brickaville.

On February 18th, TSF set up a telecom centre in Care International offices in Brickaville, so as to create an NGO coordination centre. Providing telecommunication means (printers, laptops, phones, and Bgans) TSF supported relief organisations in the area (WFP, CARE International, Malagasy Red Cross, Catholic Relief Service, District Office, BNGRC, local authorities) and reinforced the coordination of the humanitarian response.

In addition, TSF conducted humanitarian calling operations for affected populations in the towns of Andevoranto from February 18th to 20th and Ambila on 21st and 22nd. 128 families could make prioritary calls and inform their relatives of their situation and needs.

Giovanna Cyclone caused less damage to the islands than had been feared, thus TSF activities focused on selected areas, especially on the eastern coast, impact point of the cyclone. Local telecom operators reacted rapidly to restore communications and progressively allow the return to normality. The telecommunication needs have been less and less critical until the restoration of 3G connection in Brickaville, on February 23rd, 2012.

The emergency mission of TSF in Madagascar ended on February 29th, 2012.

TSF remains in contact with the BNGRC (National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management) to ensure an efficient coordination in case of any new deployment.