In Madagascar, the impact of Cyclone Gezani has led to 43 confirmed deaths and 427 injuries across the country. Although the winds have ceased, a new humanitarian crisis has emerged as survivors are left to grapple with the aftermath of the cyclone. In Tamatave, the eastern coastal region that suffered the most extensive damage, thousands of people are crammed into emergency shelters, overwhelmed by the sudden displacement and need for immediate assistance.

At Ziona Salazamay High School, one of the fifteen emergency shelters in Toamasina, approximately 200 individuals from 72 families are sleeping on classroom floors. The situation is dire, as these families have lost their homes and possessions to the cyclone. Emotional accounts from survivors illustrate their harrowing experiences, such as a mother who recounts fleeing her home in the middle of the night with her severely disabled son, highlighting the chaotic and desperate circumstances they faced during the storm.

As rescue efforts continue, authorities are grappling with the logistical challenges of providing adequate food, shelter, and medical care to those affected. The sheer number of displaced individuals places immense pressure on local resources and underscores the ongoing need for humanitarian support. The international community's response to this crisis will be crucial in alleviating the suffering of those impacted by Cyclone Gezani and rebuilding the affected regions.