The storm crashed into the south-east part of the island nation on Tuesday night, dumping rain and destroying homes and crops.

No casualties have been reported.

The WFP says at least 44,000 people have been displaced or affected and flooding has hampered their assessments.

Pasqualina Di Sirio, the agency’s Madagascar country director, told the BBC its appeal for $16m (£12m) will ensure adequate food supplies for the next three months.

Since January, Madagascar has suffered four cyclones which have left over 180 people dead and affected about 250,000 others.

Much of the population remains under stress following an aggressive cyclone season.

The WFP says a new weather system is forming, prompting fears of another storm.