Feb 11 • 20:43 UTC 🇳🇿 New Zealand RNZ World

Cyclone Gezani tears through Madagascar, kills at least 31

Tropical Cyclone Gezani has caused significant destruction in Madagascar, resulting in at least 31 deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure and homes.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani has had a devastating impact on Madagascar, particularly in the city of Toamasina, where 29 of the confirmed deaths occurred. The storm's fierce winds and heavy rainfall have led to critical injuries and have wreaked havoc on local communities, displacing thousands and damaging property. The reports from local residents describe horrifying scenes and unprecedented wind speeds that have tested the robustness of even metal structures.

The National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) has been actively updating the situation, noting that besides the confirmed fatalities, many others are reported missing, indicating that the full toll of the cyclone may still rise as search efforts are conducted. Over 36 individuals are noted to have serious injuries, further showcasing the cyclone's intensity and the struggles faced by emergency services. The evacuation of over 2,740 residents from coastal areas appears to have been a crucial step to minimize loss of life as Gezani approached.

In the aftermath, the cyclone has displaced more than 6,870 people and affected a substantial number of homes and local infrastructures. As the situation develops, the implications of such a natural disaster are profound, leading to potential long-term needs for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts in one of the poorest countries in the Indian Ocean region. The cyclone highlights not only the immediate dangers posed by severe weather events but also the vulnerabilities of communities that are ill-equipped to handle such disasters.

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