Madagascar has been severely impacted by a powerful cyclone that has claimed the lives of at least 31 individuals and left thousands homeless. The cyclone struck the eastern coast of the island with winds reaching up to 70 meters per second, leading to extensive destruction, particularly in the city of Toamasina. The scale of the devastation is significant based on reports and drone footage highlighting flooded streets and severely damaged infrastructure.

Toamasina, Madagascar's second-largest city with a population of 400,000, was among the hardest-hit areas. Nearly 75% of the city has been reported as damaged, with many fatalities occurring in homes that were obliterated by the cyclone's force. President Michael Randrianirina has acknowledged that Madagascar cannot cope with the disaster alone and has called for international assistance to help the affected communities.

The situation in Toamasina is dire, as roads remain impassable due to uprooted trees and debris, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as chaotic, with people struggling through flooded streets and significant infrastructural damage evident. This disaster underscores the vulnerability of the region to severe weather events and the urgent need for support and resources to aid recovery efforts.