In brief
Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar, killing at least 31 people and leaving severe damage in its wake. The storm hit Toamasina, the country's main port, causing total chaos as homes collapsed and power lines snapped. The military leader reported that 75% of the city was destroyed, necessitating emergency evacuations. The cyclone's intensity marked a record event for the region. Following the storm, officials urged for international aid as the situation surpasses local capabilities.
At least 31 people have died after a powerful cyclone struck Madagascar, according to authorities on the Indian Ocean island. Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday, hitting the island's main port, Toamasina. Madagascar's disaster management office reported 'total chaos', with homes collapsed in the impact zone where the bodies were found.Neighbourhoods were plunged into darkness as power lines snapped, trees were uprooted and roofs ripped off. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the country's military leader, stated, 'What happened is a disaster, nearly 75% of the city of Toamasina was destroyed.' He added, 'The current situation exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone.'The cyclone's impact is considered one of the most intense recorded in the area in recent satellite history. According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, many fatalities occurred due to collapsing buildings. Winds reached 250 km/hour (155 mph). 'It's total chaos, 90% of house roofs have been blown off, entirely or in part,' stated Rija Randrianarisoa from Action Against Hunger.Madagascar's disaster office has evacuated dozens of injured people and hundreds of residents from the district around Toamasina, which is home to 400,000 people. Local residents described chaotic scenes, with statements indicating they had never experienced such violent winds.Cyclone Gezani is the second storm to hit Madagascar this year, coming shortly after Cyclone Fytia resulted in 14 deaths and displaced over 31,000 individuals. In preparation for the cyclone’s arrival, officials closed schools and mobilized emergency shelters. After hitting, Gezani weakened to a moderate tropical storm and moved westward inland, with predictions of it exiting into the Mozambique Channel.Cyclone season typically lasts from November to April, bringing an expected dozen storms each year.
