Cyclone Gezani tore through Madagascar, killing at least 59 people and forcing thousands from their homes. That’s what officials said on Monday, as the country tries to pick up the pieces after one of the worst storms this season. The cyclone hit just days after another storm, making things even harder for people already used to facing tough weather, and the disaster management office says casualties have jumped and the damage is everywhere, putting huge pressure on local communities and first responders. Now, with recovery just getting started, everyone’s scrambling, not just to help those in need right now, but also to brace for whatever else this storm system might throw their way.

Source: X

Magnitude of the Death Toll

At least 59 people have lost their lives due to the cyclone, with 15 others missing and 804 injured, as per the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). The cyclone has affected close to 424,000 people in different parts of the country.

The death toll is likely to rise as rescue teams are still searching for bodies in remote areas where communication lines are down. The large number of injured and missing persons indicates the intensity of the cyclone and the susceptibility of the affected areas’ infrastructure.

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Large-Scale Displacement and Destruction

The cyclone has left 16,428 people displaced as they were forced to leave their homes and take refuge in shelters, and thousands of homes were destroyed, and basic services like electricity and access to clean water were also affected in many areas.

The affected areas are facing a serious crisis of food and water contamination, and the destruction of schools and health facilities, as the cyclone has done tremendous damage. Its sustained winds are approximately 185 km/h, with maximum wind gusts approaching 270 km/h at times. The effects of these winds have resulted in the destruction of all structures and the uprooting of trees wherever they occurred. The cyclone originated in Madagascar before crossing the Mozambique Channel, where it turned back toward Madagascar.

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Weather Patterns and Future Risks

As per weather authorities, the cyclone could return to southwestern Madagascar and hit this region again after already hitting Madagascar. Therefore, districts, such as Ampanihy, and other local authorities have issued red alerts for their future impacts, i.e., their ability and responses to future impacts from cyclones.

In conclusion, Cyclone Gezani has left Madagascar grappling with a profound humanitarian and infrastructural crisis, with many communities facing long-term recovery needs and heightened vulnerability going into the next storm season.

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