Cyclone Gezani has unleashed catastrophic devastation across Madagascar, resulting in at least 36 fatalities, more than 370 injuries, and the destruction of almost 18,000 homes within a brutal 24-hour period, as confirmed by authorities on Thursday, 12 February 2026. The tropical cyclone made landfall late Tuesday, wreaking havoc primarily in the eastern port city of Toamasina before sweeping across the nation, leaving a trail of ruin in its wake.
National Disaster Declared Amid Widespread Destruction
In response to the unprecedented damage, President Michael Randrianirina has declared a national disaster and issued a heartfelt plea for international assistance to support the impoverished Indian Ocean island. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that the death toll has climbed to 36, with six individuals still missing, 374 people injured, and over 250,000 residents affected by the ferocious storm.
Toamasina Bears the Brunt of the Cyclone
Authorities detailed that 32 of the deaths occurred in the Toamasina area, a critical economic hub and the country's main port. President Randrianirina revealed that a staggering 75% of the city sustained damage or was completely destroyed, exacerbated by the prevalence of inadequate housing that offers little protection against such intense weather events. Many fatalities were attributed to building collapses, highlighting the vulnerability of Madagascar's infrastructure.
The disaster agency further noted that Cyclone Gezani, with winds exceeding 195 kilometers per hour (121 miles per hour), obliterated 17,980 houses and damaged more than 37,000 others. Drone footage released by officials depicted the extensive devastation in Toamasina, home to over 300,000 people, where nearly every structure suffered severe damage, including roofs torn off and buildings flattened entirely. Uprooted trees and debris littered the streets, while residents waded through knee-deep floodwaters as they began the arduous task of rebuilding their lives.
Urgent Calls for Aid and Recovery Efforts
Following a visit to the hardest-hit city, President Randrianirina emphasized the immediate needs: "We can clearly see what Toamasina needs right now: above all, food, basic necessities, and building materials to quickly rebuild everything that has been destroyed in Toamasina and its surroundings." He urged all citizens to contribute to the recovery efforts, underscoring the collective responsibility in the face of such a calamity.
Madagascar's Vulnerability to Cyclonic Storms
Madagascar, situated off the east coast of Africa, is particularly susceptible to destructive storms originating from the Indian Ocean. Since 2020, the island has endured more than a dozen cyclones or severe tropical storms, including a recent event just last month that claimed at least 14 lives in the northwest region. This recurring pattern of extreme weather underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the nation in mitigating disaster risks and enhancing resilience.
