Cyclone Gezani has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, resulting in at least 20 confirmed deaths as the storm made landfall in the coastal city of Toamasina. The cyclone, which brought violent winds reaching up to 250 kilometers per hour, has caused severe damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of roofs and uprooting of trees. Many neighborhoods are currently underwater, exacerbating the situation for local residents and prompting concern and demand for urgent humanitarian assistance.

The authorities report that at least fifteen individuals are still missing, and dozens more have sustained injuries due to collapsing buildings. With drone footage revealing widespread flooding in Toamasina, which is home to approximately 400,000 people, aid groups have characterized the scene as 'total chaos.' Reports indicate that in some parts of the city, as much as 90 percent of roofs were damaged, highlighting the storm's catastrophic impact on local infrastructure and the daily lives of residents.

In response to the disaster, Madagascar's new leader has visited Toamasina to assess the damage firsthand as officials warn that the cyclone's inland movement may lead to further flooding. With the current situation evolving, authorities and humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance and address the pressing needs of the impacted population, underscoring the severe implications of climate-related events in this vulnerable region.