Tropical Cyclone Gezani has unleashed devastation across Madagascar, claiming at least 20 lives and causing extensive damage as it swept across the Indian Ocean island. Authorities confirmed the death toll on Wednesday, with many more injured and missing in the wake of the powerful storm.
Storm Impact and Immediate Aftermath
After making landfall late Tuesday with wind speeds exceeding 195 kph (121 mph), Gezani triggered red alerts from Madagascar's weather service for several regions. The alerts warned of potential floods and landslides, posing a severe threat to the island's population of 31 million, many of whom live in poverty with inadequate shelter.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that building collapses were responsible for some of the fatalities. At least 33 people were injured, 15 remain missing, and over 2,700 individuals have been evacuated to safer locations.
Severe Damage in Toamasina
The eastern port city of Toamasina, home to approximately 300,000 residents, bore the brunt of the cyclone's fury. Authorities stated that the majority of deaths occurred in this region, where residents described scenes of utter destruction.
"It’s devastation. Roofs have been blown away, walls have collapsed, power poles are down, trees have been uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape," said Michel, a local resident who provided only his first name in a phone interview with The Associated Press.
President Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power following a military coup in October, visited Toamasina to assess the damage. Videos posted on his office's Facebook page depicted flooded neighborhoods, homes and shops with shattered windows and missing roofs, and streets littered with debris from uprooted trees.
According to the president's office, around 75% of the city's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Power has been cut off in Toamasina since Tuesday, exacerbating the crisis for survivors.
Ongoing Weather Threats and Regional Context
By Wednesday, Gezani had moved westward across Madagascar, weakening to a tropical storm as it progressed inland. The storm passed about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the capital, Antananarivo, which remained under a red alert for possible flooding.
Forecasts indicate that Gezani is expected to move into the channel between Madagascar and Africa's east coast on Thursday. There are warnings that it might regain strength, potentially re-intensifying into a tropical cyclone and turning back toward Madagascar's southwest coast next week.
This latest disaster follows closely on the heels of Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which struck Madagascar on January 31, killing 14 people and displacing more than 85,000. The United Nations has allocated $3 million from its emergency response fund to assist Madagascar in preparing for Gezani's impacts, as announced by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Monday.
Madagascar's Vulnerability to Cyclones
Madagascar's cyclone season, which runs from approximately November to March, repeatedly subjects the nation to severe weather events. As one of the world's poorest countries, Madagascar struggles to recover from one disaster before another strikes, hindering long-term development.
Since 2020, the world's fourth largest island has been impacted by more than a dozen tropical storms or cyclones. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimates that these events cause an average of $85 million in infrastructure damage annually, significantly impeding national progress.
The island's geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to cyclones originating in the Indian Ocean, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to protect its vulnerable population.
