A powerful cyclone named 'Gézaïni' struck the island nation of Madagascar, leading to at least 31 confirmed deaths and numerous injuries. The cyclone made landfall on January 10, creating maximum wind speeds of up to 270 km/h and swept across the country causing widespread devastation, particularly in the port city of Toamasina. Reports indicate that 90% of housing in Toamasina has been damaged, leading to extensive destruction including collapsed roofs and fallen debris that has blocked roads and disrupted communication and electricity services.

The National Disaster Risk Management Agency (BNGRC) has assessed that more than 250,000 individuals have been affected across the nation, with many still unaccounted for following the storm. The region had previously experienced another cyclone just ten days earlier, resulting in 14 deaths and displacing over 31,000 people from their homes. Madagascar, located in the southwestern Indian Ocean, typically faces multiple cyclones between November and April each year, making the community particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters.

Cyclone 'Gézaïni' is the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, following cyclone 'Paitia,' which caused significant casualties and displacement recently. The frequency of these cyclones raises concerns over the increasing impact of climate change and the urgent need for stronger disaster management and preparedness strategies in the region. The weather authorities have indicated that while Gézaïni's winds have weakened, the impact of the storm will be felt for some time as recovery efforts begin in the affected areas.