Cyclone Gezani Devastates Madagascar, Leaving Death and Destruction in Its Wake

Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall on February 10, 2026, striking Madagascar's second-largest city, Toamasina, with devastating winds reaching up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour). The cyclone has been linked to at least 31 fatalities, with the majority occurring in Toamasina, where approximately 29 deaths were reported. The National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) also noted that 36 individuals sustained serious injuries, and around 2,740 residents were evacuated prior to the storm's arrival. The cyclone's aftermath has left over 250,000 people classified as disaster victims, with significant infrastructure damage reported across the region.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani Causes Widespread Destruction in Madagascar, Death Toll Reaches 31DW NewsThe Straits TimesPowerful cyclone kills 20 in MadagascarSeymour Telegraph

The cyclone's impact has been described as catastrophic, with reports indicating that nearly 75% of Toamasina's infrastructure was severely damaged or completely destroyed. Eyewitness accounts detail scenes of chaos, with roofs torn off buildings, walls collapsed, and trees uprooted. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar's new leader who assumed power in October 2025, emphasized the dire situation, stating, "The current situation exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone," and called for international assistance.

France 24TRT WorldCyclone Gezani wreaks havoc in Madagascar, 31 dead and homes reduced to rubbleWRALTropical Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar, kills at least 20The Shillong Times

In anticipation of the cyclone, local authorities closed schools and prepared emergency shelters. Following the storm, President Randrianirina visited Toamasina to assess the damage and engage with affected residents. The United Nations has released $3 million from its emergency response fund to support recovery efforts, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by the impoverished nation.

France 24

Critics have pointed out that Madagascar's vulnerability to cyclones is exacerbated by the poor quality of housing, with over 70% of homes constructed from precarious materials. This structural weakness has led to higher casualty rates during storms. The frequent occurrence of cyclones, including the recent Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which killed 14 people just ten days prior, raises concerns about the government's preparedness and response capabilities.

Cyclone Gezani wreaks havoc in Madagascar, 31 dead and homes reduced to rubble

There are discrepancies in reported casualty figures, with some sources indicating as few as nine deaths while others report as many as 31. The BNGRC has updated its figures multiple times, reflecting the ongoing assessment of the situation. Additionally, the cyclone's potential to regain strength as it moves into the Mozambique Channel poses further risks to both Madagascar and neighboring Mozambique, which has already experienced severe flooding this year.

The Independent

As Cyclone Gezani weakens and moves inland, it is expected to re-enter the Mozambique Channel, where it may regain cyclone status and threaten southern Mozambique. The cyclone season in Madagascar typically lasts from November to April, and the country faces the challenge of rebuilding while preparing for future storms. The ongoing humanitarian crisis underscores the need for sustained international support and effective disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.

Cyclone Gezani wreaks havoc in Madagascar, 31 dead and homes reduced to rubble

• "What happened is a disaster: nearly 75 percent of the city of Toamasina was destroyed." — Colonel Michael Randrianirina, President of Madagascar

France 24

• "It’s devastation. Roofs have been blown away, walls have collapsed, power poles are down, trees have been uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape." — Michel, Toamasina resident

Powerful cyclone kills 20 in Madagascar

• "The current situation exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone." — Colonel Michael Randrianirina, President of Madagascar

France 24

• "It's total chaos: 90 percent of house roofs have been blown off, entirely or in part." — Rija Randrianarisoa, Action Against Hunger humanitarian group

TRT World

The devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Madagascar, a nation frequently battered by severe weather events.

The Weather Channel