Tropical Cyclone Gezani Devastates Madagascar, Leaving 31 Dead

Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar late Tuesday, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and significant damage. The storm crossed the Indian Ocean island with wind speeds exceeding 195 kph (121 mph), prompting red alerts for potential floods and landslides.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar, causing at least 31 fatalities and significant damage with wind speeds exceeding 195 kph.

The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that building collapses contributed to the 31 deaths. Additionally, at least 36 people sustained serious injuries, and four individuals are missing. More than 6,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

Toamasina Bears the Brunt of Gezani's Impact

The eastern city of Toamasina, with approximately 300,000 residents, experienced severe damage. Authorities stated that roughly 75% of the city’s infrastructure was damaged or destroyed. Most of the reported deaths occurred in this region. Power in Toamasina has been disrupted since Tuesday.

President Michael Randrianirina visited Toamasina to assess the damage. Videos from his office showed flooded areas, damaged homes and shops, and debris-strewn streets.

Gezani's Continued Path and Regional Concerns

Gezani weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland across Madagascar on Wednesday, passing about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the capital, Antananarivo. Forecasts indicate the storm may re-strengthen into a tropical cyclone as it moves into the channel between Madagascar and Africa’s east coast. This could potentially see it turning back towards Madagascar’s southwest coast next week.

Forecasts indicate Gezani may re-strengthen into a tropical cyclone and potentially return to Madagascar's southwest coast next week.

Authorities in Mozambique, which recently experienced severe floods, have issued weather alerts for three coastal provinces in anticipation of Gezani's potential impact.

Madagascar's Vulnerability to Cyclones

Madagascar is prone to cyclones, with Fytia having killed 14 people and displaced over 85,000 less than two weeks prior to Gezani. The United Nations allocated $3 million from its emergency response fund to assist Madagascar in preparing for Gezani. The cyclone season typically runs from November to March, causing an estimated $85 million in infrastructure damage annually across the island.