Madagascar cyclone death toll hits 38, 12,000 displaced; Mozambique braces

Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar's eastern coastal city of Toamasina on Tuesday, resulting in 38 deaths, over 12,000 displaced individuals, and widespread destruction. The cyclone, with winds reaching 250km/h, ravaged up to 75% of Toamasina and surrounding areas, destroying over 18,000 homes and damaging or flooding at least 50,000 more. Madagascar's leader has declared a national disaster and requested international aid due to blocked roads hindering humanitarian efforts. As of Thursday, assessments were still underway in the Atsinanana region. Gezani is forecast to return to cyclone status when it strikes southern Mozambique on Friday evening.

Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar on Tuesday, killing at least 20 people and causing widespread damage, particularly in the port city of Toamasina. The cyclone, with winds reaching 250 km/hour, caused houses to collapse, power outages, and significant structural damage, leading to evacuations and a state of "total chaos." Gezani is the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, following Cyclone Fytia which killed 14 people ten days prior. As of Wednesday morning, Gezani had weakened to a moderate tropical storm and moved inland, prompting the country's new leader to assess the situation in Toamasina. The cyclone is expected to cross the central highlands and move out to sea.

Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar, resulting in at least 20 confirmed deaths. The cyclone's impact was exacerbated by building collapses, which are believed to be responsible for many of the fatalities. Authorities have reported these incidents as a major contributor to the death toll. Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar on February 11, bringing severe weather conditions to the region. The exact extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed. The cyclone's effects are expected to continue impacting the country in the coming days.

Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar on February 11, 2026, just days after Cyclone Fytia caused significant damage and displacement. The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds, heavy rains, widespread flooding, and landslides as it moves across the island nation from east to west. Madagascar's national weather service issued red alerts for several regions in the northeast, warning of imminent danger. Residents report widespread damage, including flooding, power outages, and collapsed buildings, particularly in the port city of Toamasina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the country's leader, plans to visit Toamasina after the cyclone passes to assess the situation.