Tropical Cyclone Gezani Leaves At Least 31 Deaths in Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gezani has caused at least 31 deaths, with four people missing, 36 seriously injured, and 6,870 displaced, officials say. The cyclone hit Madagascar with gusts of up to 167mph, tearing metal sheeting from roofs and uprooting large trees.

The city of Toamasina, the island nation’s second-largest city, was the hardest hit, with 29 people killed as homes collapsed beneath the onslaught. All told, 75% of the city’s infrastructure was destroyed, according to the office of President Michael Randiranirina.

Power has been cut off since Tuesday, and residents are struggling to cope with the aftermath. “I have never experienced winds this violent,” said resident Harimanga Ranaivo. “The doors and windows are made of metal, but they are being violently shaken.”

Another resident, Michel, described the scene as “devastation” when reached by phone. “Roofs have been blown away, walls have collapsed, power poles are down, trees have been uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape.”

Gezani weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland on Wednesday, passing some 60 miles north of the capital, Antananarivo. But it’s expected to pass into the Mozambique Channel, where forecasters warn it might strengthen again.

Red alerts were issued for several regions at risk of floods and landslides as the cyclone made landfall. The cyclone comes just days after another cyclone, Tropical Cyclone Fytia, wrought havoc in Madagascar, killing 14 people and displacing 85,000 more.

Residents are struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter, and aid efforts are underway to provide support. The international community is also pitching in to help, with aid agencies and governments offering assistance to the affected areas.

The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but with the help of the international community, Madagascar will get back on its feet. The cyclone’s impact is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events.

As the island nation works to recover, it’s clear that more needs to be done to address the impact of climate change. The world is watching as Madagascar struggles to cope with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

The situation is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.