Full Breakdown
Cyclone Gezani Devastates Madagascar: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
2/14/2026, 5:52:12 AM
Cyclone Gezani's Impact on Madagascar
Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar on February 10, 2026, striking the port city of Toamasina with sustained winds of up to 155 mph, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. The cyclone has been linked to at least 40 fatalities, with hundreds more injured and thousands displaced. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that building collapses contributed to many of the deaths, and over 6,000 people have been forced from their homes.
Gezani's arrival followed closely on the heels of Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which struck on January 31, killing 14 people and displacing over 31,000. The cumulative effect of these back-to-back cyclones has left approximately 400,000 individuals facing urgent humanitarian needs, according to the United Nations.
Scale of Destruction
Reports indicate that around 80% of Toamasina has suffered significant damage, with infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, severely impacted. Tania Goossens, the World Food Programme Country Director, described the destruction as "overwhelming," noting that the city is currently operating on only 5% of its electricity supply. Many residents are left without access to clean water, and essential services have been disrupted.
Eyewitness accounts from residents paint a grim picture of the aftermath. "It looks like a catastrophic landscape," said one local, highlighting the extensive damage to homes and public facilities. The cyclone's intensity has been compared to historical storms, with meteorologists noting that it may rival Cyclone Geralda, which caused significant devastation in 1994.
Official Responses and Humanitarian Aid
In response to the crisis, the United Nations has mobilized $3 million for emergency relief efforts. However, the World Food Programme has indicated that the needs on the ground exceed their current capacity, with a reported funding shortfall of $18 million over the next six months. The organization is calling for urgent donor support to assist those affected.
President Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power following a military coup in October, visited Toamasina to assess the damage and meet with residents. His administration has issued red alerts for several regions, warning of potential flooding and landslides as the storm continues to weaken and move inland.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about Madagascar's preparedness for such disasters, emphasizing the country's vulnerability to cyclones and the inadequacy of its infrastructure. The repeated cyclones have exacerbated an already critical food security situation, with 1.57 million people facing food insecurity prior to the storms.
What's Next?
As Cyclone Gezani weakens and moves westward, forecasts suggest it may re-intensify over the Mozambique Channel, potentially impacting coastal regions in Mozambique. Authorities in Mozambique have issued weather alerts in anticipation of the storm's possible return.
The ongoing cyclone season, which lasts from November to March, poses a continuous threat to Madagascar, a nation already grappling with the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. The international community is urged to provide sustained support to help Madagascar recover and build resilience against future storms.
