Earthquakes in Antananarivo: Malagasy authorities in turmoil

Mis à jour le 22 May 2026

The recent earthquakes that shook Antananarivo in 2025 prompted a reaction of alert and vigilance among the Malagasy authorities. The successive episodes, not only by their intensity but also by their location near densely populated areas, have profoundly remobilized disaster management on the island. The Malagasy population, long accustomed to natural hazards, now sees its sense of prevention severely tested in the face of a phenomenon whose activity seems to be intensifying. The situation implies a significant lack of preparedness in the face of these seismic risks, which could have disastrous consequences if no coordinated response is quickly put in place. The role of the Institute of Geophysics and Civil Protection thus becomes crucial for effective management, in the face of a threat that requires national and international mobilization. The recent series of earthquakes, ranging from moderate to more significant magnitudes, underscores the need to implement emergency measures. The Malagasy authorities’ response in this context must be part of a long-term strategy to reduce the potential impact of future events while strengthening the resilience of the population.

Detailed analysis of recent earthquakes and their geological context in Antananarivo

Since the beginning of 2025, Antananarivo has been the scene of seismic activity marked by several earthquakes. These events, recorded in particular by theMalagasy Institute of Geophysics, illustrate a complex geological situation, characterized by underlying tectonic activity that is still poorly understood. The most recent of these events, with a magnitude of 4.3, was felt in several neighborhoods of the capital, causing a wave of concern that quickly spread via social media.

Experts emphasize that the geological context of Madagascar is marked by the convergence of several tectonic plates, notably the African plate and the Australian plate. This dynamic partly explains the increased frequency of earthquakes in the region, of which the capital does not always benefit from appropriate preparation. The epicenters of these tremors are often close to urban areas, which significantly increases the potential for damage, even during tremors of moderate magnitude. The proximity of faults, in particular the Antananarivo fault, a critical geological structure, requires an in-depth study to better anticipate the behavior of these unstable lands.

The geological characteristics of the Antananarivo region

Faced with this geological configuration, risk prevention must evolve quickly to reduce the potential dangers linked to seismic activity still palpable in the underground of the capital.

The impacts of the series of earthquakes and the vulnerability of infrastructure

The repeated tremors in Antananarivo highlight the fragility of many buildings, particularly those built without strict earthquake-resistant standards. Alarmed civil protection and disaster management teams note that several structures still lack the necessary renovations to withstand significant earthquakes. These vulnerabilities increase the risk of collapse and injuries in the event of a major earthquake.

Several neighborhoods located on soft or filled ground were affected by the recent events, with reports of building damage and road diversions. The situation also reveals the lack of an effective warning system to warn the population in time. While several historic and modern buildings still do not meet earthquake-resistant standards, the risk of human or material losses remains high. Examples of material and human damage since the beginning of 2025

Damaged structures in the Analamanga neighborhoods, particularly in Ambohidratrimo and Androvakely

• Public roads cracked or destabilized by vibration overload
• Schools and health centers vulnerable to increasing tremors
• Tipid reactions from authorities to the building safety assessment
• Growing public concerns about the inadequacy of preventive measures
• This last aspect, combined with the increased frequency of seismic events, highlights the need to rapidly strengthen controls and raise public awareness about managing risks related to ground movement.

Malagasy authorities, aware of the devastating potential of earthquakes, have already launched emergency measures to strengthen the capital’s resilience.

Risk management has been intensified, with increased coordination between the Civil Protection Agency, the Geophysics Institute, and local authorities. Immediate actions include:

Implementing a vulnerability assessment plan for major buildings

• Distributing protective equipment and emergency kits
• Directly raising awareness among residents through information campaigns
• Enhanced training for emergency teams to respond effectively in crisis situations
• Creating a more accurate seismic warning system based on local risk modeling
• At the same time, a comprehensive strategic review is underway to develop an improved regulatory framework, incorporating strict earthquake-resistant standards and controlled urban development. Strengthening urban resilience is considered a priority to prevent future disasters. Collaboration with the international community, particularly UNISDR and the World Bank, is intensifying to fund these vital programs.

Learn everything about earthquakes: causes, effects, prevention, and seismic news. Learn about the different magnitude scales and the measures to take in the event of an earthquake.

Despite these efforts, several obstacles hamper the implementation of an effective prevention plan. The geological complexity of the site, combined with limited financial resources, significantly limits the government’s ability to act quickly and sustainably. The weak communications infrastructure also poses a significant challenge, particularly in disseminating warnings on a large scale.

Furthermore, the Malagasy population, often lacking awareness of prevention measures, can react in a haphazard manner to the occurrence of an earthquake. Information management during a crisis requires exemplary coordination, which is not always achieved in a context where human and material resources are still insufficient. Main constraints encountered

Budgetary limitations to renovate all public and private buildings

Lack of modern detection and early warning equipment

1. Lack of a culture of prevention among the population
2. Fragility of emergency communication networks
3. Insufficient human resources to cover all at-risk neighborhoods
4. These challenges require an innovative strategy, combining human capital, targeted investments, and sustainable awareness campaigns.
5. International initiatives and their role in improving Antananarivo’s resilience

Given the gravity of the situation, the international community has begun mobilizing resources to strengthen Madagascar’s capacity to cope with earthquakes. Support from various agencies, such as UNISDR and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to structure an integrated response to the seismic crisis.

Training programs, equipment provided, and research on adapting buildings to seismic zones are among the priorities. Bilateral cooperation with France, particularly through the Madagascar Foundation, also results in the transfer of skills in natural risk management.

These initiatives have made it possible, for example, to improve seismic mapping in the region, facilitating the establishment of an early warning system, essential for saving lives during future episodes. The momentum of these collaborations must continue to accelerate to address the emergency.

Preventive measures to be strengthened to ensure the safety of Malagasy citizens

Prevention has become a vital necessity in the face of an intensifying seismic threat. The Malagasy authorities must systematically implement an active prevention policy, incorporating several essential levers: Regulatory reinforcement: impose strict seismic standards for all new construction. Urban rehabilitation: prioritize the renovation of high-risk areas, particularly those built without technical compliance.Awareness campaigns: educate the population on the behaviors to adopt in the event of an earthquake and the warning systems in place.

Establishment of an effective seismic warning network: deploy modern sensors for an immediate response.

Regular simulation and exercises: organize training sessions to prepare citizens for possible scenarios.

• This set of measures must serve as the foundation for a comprehensive security strategy, the effectiveness of which will depend on collective commitment. Coordination between local authorities, international organizations, and the Malagasy population is becoming more of a priority than ever.
• Frequently asked questions about seismic risk management in Antananarivo
• What is the likelihood of a major earthquake in Antananarivo in the near future?
• Specialists believe that, given the increased tectonic activity, the possibility of an earthquake greater than magnitude 5 cannot be ruled out in the coming years. Continuous monitoring and modeling remain essential to anticipate these events.
• What are the main prevention measures recommended for the population?

It is recommended to follow regular evacuation drills, be familiar with local warning systems, and adopt safe behaviors during an earthquake, such as taking shelter and quickly evacuating fragile buildings.

How can the government improve infrastructure resilience?

By adopting strict earthquake-resistant construction standards, reinforcing existing buildings, and investing in modern detection equipment, the government can significantly reduce the risk of damage during future earthquakes.

Do local and international stakeholders play an effective role in earthquake management? Collaboration is still developing, but the initiatives undertaken, particularly through partnerships with the international community, demonstrate a commitment to strengthening resilience. However, increased efforts are essential to achieve a coherent and sustainable response.

Source:

www.rfi.fr