The tropical cyclone Gezani struck the eastern coast of Madagascar late Tuesday night, leading to significant destruction of buildings, downed power lines, and widespread flooding. According to authorities in the Indian Ocean island nation, at least 20 people have been confirmed dead, 33 others injured, and 15 are currently missing. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as the storm wreaks havoc in the area.

Residents of the port city of Toamasina and surrounding areas described the situation as chaotic to the press, highlighting the severity of the storm and its impacts. The storm brought wind speeds of over 185 km/h, with gusts reaching nearly 270 km/h at their peak. As the cyclone progresses inland, there are increased warnings from Météo Madagascar about the likelihood of extensive and sudden flooding, as well as landslides that could affect even more regions.

This is the second tropical cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, raising concerns about the frequency and intensity of such weather events in the region, which could be exacerbated by climate change. The government's response and preparedness will be critical in mitigating further disaster and assisting affected populations as they begin recovery efforts from this devastating storm.