Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar's east coast on February 10, has caused significant devastation, resulting in a death toll that has reached 59, according to the country's disaster agency. In addition to the fatalities, 15 individuals are still reported as missing, and over 16,000 people have been displaced. The cyclone made landfall in Toamasina, Madagascar's second-largest city, where wind speeds hit 250 km/h, leading to widespread destruction across the region.

The cyclone's aftermath has been severe, with approximately 25,000 homes destroyed and 27,000 flooded. The situation in Toamasina is dire; the city is currently functioning on just five percent of its electricity and lacks running water, severely impacting the daily lives of its over 400,000 residents. This disaster is compounded by the fact that Cyclone Gezani is the second major storm to hit Madagascar within weeks, following Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which had already resulted in casualties and displacement earlier in February.

The back-to-back cyclones highlight Madagascar's escalating vulnerability to extreme weather patterns, driven by climate change. Response efforts from international partners, including nations like China and France, are beginning to mobilize to assist with recovery and humanitarian needs. As the country grapples with the immediate aftermath, the focus will likely turn towards longer-term strategies for resilience against future climate-related disasters.