What is the name and location of the storm?
As of January 30, 2026, the storm named Fytia is positioned in the Mozambique Channel, with reports noting locations such as 222 km east-southeast of Nacala, Mozambique (1), and about 262 km northwest of Besalampy, Madagascar.
Which cities or areas are affected by the storm?
The areas currently affected or at risk include:
- Nacala, Mozambique
- Besalampy, Madagascar
- Regions between Tambohorano and Soalala in Madagascar
- Central Madagascar along the projected inland track
These areas may experience strong winds and heavy rainfall.
What is the projected path and intensity of the storm?
Storm Fytia is forecast to track southeastward, making landfall in Madagascar within the next 18 to 24 hours.
After crossing Madagascar, it is expected to reemerge over open water and potentially reintensify as it encounters more favorable environmental conditions.
Wind map of Tropical Storm Fytia January 30, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Peak intensity before landfall may reach 140 km per hour or higher according to current projections. Once the storm interacts with the terrain of Madagascar, a temporary weakening phase is expected. After moving back over warm ocean waters, a second phase of strengthening is possible (2).
Overall movement is generally toward the east-southeast, guided by surrounding atmospheric ridges and troughs that influence its steering pattern.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
There are no official evacuation orders right now. However, coastal areas of Madagascar, especially between Tambohorano and Soalala, are under a high-risk warning because Fytia may make landfall with strong cyclone-level winds (3).
People in these areas should stay alert and follow updates from local authorities, who may issue safety guidance if conditions change.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
