In brief
Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Toamasina, Madagascar's main port, causing at least 31 deaths and overwhelming damage. With winds reaching 250 km/h, the storm has left significant portions of the city devastated. Authorities reported that approximately 75% of Toamasina was affected, leading to urgent evacuations and the need for international assistance.
At least 31 people have died after a powerful cyclone struck Madagascar, the disaster authority reports. Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday, hitting the main port city of Toamasina. Madagascar's disaster management office described the situation as 'total chaos,' with reports of homes collapsing where victims were found.
In the wake of the cyclone, neighborhoods were left without power as trees uprooted and roofs were ripped off buildings. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military leader, conveyed the devastation, stating that nearly 75% of Toamasina was destroyed and that the situation 'exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone.'
The cyclone was characterized as one of the most intense to hit the region in recent history, with winds reaching speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph). The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management noted that many fatalities occurred due to building collapse.
Evacuations were implemented, with dozens of injured individuals and hundreds of residents moved from affected areas around Toamasina, which has a population of around 400,000.
Witnesses recounted the violent winds experienced during the cyclone, with reports of metal doors and windows being shaken aggressively. This cyclone marks the second to hit Madagascar this year, following tropical cyclone Fytia, which resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and displaced over 31,000 people.
Prior to the arrival of the cyclone, officials enacted emergency measures, including closing schools and preparing shelters. As of Wednesday, meteorological services reported that Cyclone Gezani had weakened to a modest tropical storm as it moved westward inland.
