Cyclone Gezani Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Madagascar and Beyond
Cyclone Gezani, an intense tropical storm that struck Madagascar on February 10, has emerged as one of the deadliest weather disasters of the 2026 Indian Ocean cyclone season. With wind gusts nearing 270 km/h and torrential rainfall, the cyclone flattened infrastructure, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and triggered sweeping humanitarian needs unfolding shortly after Cyclone Fytia pummeled the region.
Cyclone Gezani’s Death Toll Rises with Devastating Impact
Madagascar’s National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management confirmed that at least 59 people have died from Cyclone Gezani’s impact, with another 15 reported missing and hundreds injured. More than 16,400 individuals have been displaced, and nearly 424,000 people classified as affected. The data reveal a staggering scale of human and material loss across multiple regions.
The port city of Toamasina, Madagascar’s second-largest urban center, bore the brunt of the storm. A significant portion of its infrastructure ncluding homes, schools, and utilities lies in ruins, leaving residents grappling with disrupted power and water supplies.
Unprecedented Winds and Structural Damage
Cyclone Gezani intensified rapidly over warm Indian Ocean waters before its landfall, packing sustained winds near 185 km/h with gusts up to 270 km/h, powerful enough to tear rooftops off buildings and uproot large trees. Officials say the destruction was widespread: thousands of homes destroyed or severely damaged, classrooms wrecked, and critical infrastructure compromised.
The emergency comes just 10 days after Cyclone Fytia, which also ravaged northern Madagascar, killed at least 14 people, and displaced tens of thousands. The back-to-back cyclones have compounded the disaster response needs, stretching local resources thin.
National Emergency Declared and Response Mobilizes
In response to the devastation by Cyclone Gezani, Madagascar’s government declared a national disaster, prompting both domestic and international relief efforts. Key global partners, including the United Nations, France, and China, have pledged support through food aid, rescue teams, and emergency supplies to areas cut off by flooding and debris.
Humanitarian agencies on the ground emphasize the urgency of addressing not just shelter and food needs, but also water safety, sanitation, and disease prevention — critical concerns in the cyclone’s aftermath. With thousands displaced into makeshift shelters, access to clean water and healthcare is vital.
Mozambique’s Brush with the Storm
After tearing across Madagascar, Cyclone Gezani veered into the Mozambique Channel, skirting the southern coast of Mozambique. While forecasts initially warned of a direct impact, the storm tracked parallel to the coastline instead. Preliminary assessments indicate at least four fatalities in Mozambique, caused mainly by falling trees and lightning, and significant but less widespread disruption than in Madagascar.
Authorities in Mozambique have since lifted emergency shelter orders and allowed families to return home as safety conditions stabilized, though relief efforts continue in communities affected by power outages and infrastructure stress.
Public and Regional Reactions
Public reactions from Madagascar have been marked by sorrow, resilience, and appeals for solidarity. In Toamasina, flooded streets and shattered homes testify to the storm’s ferocity, with residents queuing for essential supplies in relief distribution centers. Global figures such as Pope Leo XIV offered condolences and prayers for those affected by the twin cyclones, underscoring the international empathy and concern for Madagascar’s plight.
Meteorologists and climate experts point to Cyclone Gezani as part of an intensifying pattern of severe tropical weather, likely exacerbated by rising ocean temperatures linked to broader climate change trends. These conditions are increasing the frequency and ferocity of storms impacting vulnerable coastal nations.
Forecasts and Preparedness
Although the storm’s center has moved away from major landmasses, forecasts suggest Cyclone Gezani may loop back toward southwestern Madagascar, potentially bringing renewed rainfall or coastal winds. Authorities have placed the Ampanihy district on high alert as part of their precautionary measures.
This lingering threat, combined with the looming humanitarian crisis, underscores the need for sustained aid, robust rebuilding plans, and enhanced early-warning systems to mitigate future disasters. Governments and aid organizations are continuing assessments to tailor relief strategies and long-term recovery efforts.
A Nation in Recovery
Cyclone Gezani’s devastating march across Madagascar and its effects on neighboring regions highlight the acute vulnerability of island nations to extreme weather. With lives lost, tens of thousands displaced, and infrastructure in tatters, Madagascar faces a long road to recovery. The global community’s response, combined with strengthened local preparedness, will be critical in helping the nation rebuild and fortify itself against future storms.
