Madagascar: Cyclone Kills Dozens, Causes Widespread Damage
Tropical Cyclone Gezani has caused at least 31 deaths and widespread damage in Madagascar, affecting around 250,000 people according to local authorities.
Tropical Cyclone Gezani has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, leading to the deaths of at least 31 individuals, with several others still unaccounted for. The National Office for Risk Management and Civil Protection (BNGRC) reported that the cyclone's winds reached speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour (167 miles per hour), causing extensive damage throughout the island nation. In addition to the fatalities, at least 36 people have sustained injuries from the cyclone's impact.
The majority of the fatalities have been reported in Toamasina, the country's second-largest city, where 29 of the deceased were located. The BNGRC has stated that approximately 6,870 individuals have been displaced as a result of the cyclone's destructive passage, while over 250,000 people have been classified as disaster victims. This immense humanitarian impact highlights the vulnerability of the region to severe weather events and the urgent need for effective disaster response and management.
Local infrastructure has also suffered dramatic effects, especially in the Atsinanana region, where reports indicate that around 75% of the infrastructure has been damaged. This creates additional challenges for recovery efforts as communities grapple with the loss of homes, access to basic services, and the need for emergency aid. The localized nature of this disaster underscores the significance of rapid response initiatives and longer-term strategies to bolster resilience against similar future events.