Feb 11 β€’ 20:08 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

"We saw the water infiltrate and everything moving": a resident of Tamatave recounts the passage of Cyclone Gezani

At least 31 people have died in Madagascar due to Cyclone Gezani, which severely impacted Tamatave with flooding and destruction.

Cyclone Gezani has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, particularly in the city of Tamatave, where at least 31 fatalities have been reported. The cyclone struck during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, leading to severe damage across the region, with homes losing roofs, widespread flooding, and uprooted trees. As the economic capital of Madagascar, Tamatave was hit hard, and the impact on infrastructure has been devastating, leaving the city without electricity and its residents in distress.

Eyewitness accounts from residents, such as David Penn, have highlighted the frightening experience as the cyclone's winds howled through neighborhoods. The environment felt precarious, with buildings at risk of losing parts of their structure due to the intense wind pressure. Residents watched in fear as water began to seep into their homes, signaling the arrival of floods that would cause further destruction.

In the aftermath, the community is now focusing on recovery and rebuilding efforts while dealing with the immediate aftermath of the cyclone. The absence of electricity complicates rescue and recovery operations, while local aid and government response will be critical in supporting affected families. This disaster highlights the increasing threats of climate-related events in Madagascar, raising concerns about future preparedness and resilience against such catastrophic weather events.

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