Cyclone Gezani has wreaked havoc in Madagascar, resulting in at least 59 confirmed deaths and displacing over 16,000 people due to its powerful winds and flooding. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management announced these figures as the storm left a path of destruction impacting approximately 424,000 individuals across several regions of the island. In addition to the loss of life, the cyclone has resulted in significant injuries, with 804 people reported hurt, and a search continues for 15 individuals still unaccounted for.

As the situation escalated, Madagascar's government declared a national state of disaster on February 14, reflecting the serious impact of Cyclone Gezani. Reports indicate that 25 districts across five regions have experienced extensive damage, affecting vital infrastructure including homes, hospitals, and schools. The cyclone's sustained winds reached up to 185 km/h, making it one of the more intense storms to hit the region in recent years, exacerbating the challenges for emergency response teams working to provide aid and assistance.

This disaster will likely have long-term implications for the affected communities, which already face challenges in recovery and rebuilding. The damage assessment indicates a severe strain on local resources and infrastructure support. The international community may need to step in to aid recovery efforts, as the toll from the cyclone not only encompasses immediate fatalities and injuries but also encompasses future implications for the socio-economic stability of the regions impacted by this severe weather event.