ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — Tropical Cyclone Gezani has wreaked havoc in Madagascar’s primary port city, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 31 lives as it traversed the Indian Ocean island with fierce winds and heavy rain, officials reported Wednesday. The cyclone’s impact has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by many in this region.
Storm Impact and Response
Madagascar’s meteorological agency issued red alerts for several areas, cautioning residents about the risks of floods and landslides as the storm made landfall late Tuesday, bringing wind gusts exceeding 195 kph (121 mph). The cyclone swept across the island, which is home to 31 million people, many of whom live in poverty and lack robust shelter from severe weather.
The situation is particularly concerning, as Madagascar is highly susceptible to cyclones stemming from the Indian Ocean. Just weeks ago, the nation experienced another devastating cyclone.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that several building collapses contributed to the fatalities, with at least 36 individuals suffering serious injuries as Gezani made landfall in the eastern city of Toamasina. The agency noted four individuals are still unaccounted for, and more than 6,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Toamasina, a city with roughly 300,000 inhabitants, experienced severe destruction, as described by local residents to The Associated Press. Most of the recorded fatalities were concentrated in this area.
President Michael Randrianirina, who assumed office following a military coup in October, visited Toamasina to assess the damage and meet local residents, as shown in videos shared on his office’s Facebook page. The footage depicted flooded streets, damaged homes and shops, and uprooted trees littering the area.
According to Randrianirina’s office, approximately 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure has been either damaged or completely destroyed.
AP AUDIO: Death toll rises to 31 after Tropical Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar and crushes houses
AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports over a dozen people have died so far after a tropical cyclone hit the island of Madagascar.
“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,” expressed a resident named Michel, who only provided his first name, in a phone interview.
Power outages have affected Toamasina since Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Gezani continued westward across Madagascar, diminishing into a tropical storm as it moved inland, according to the national weather agency. The storm passed roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the capital, Antananarivo, which is also under a red alert for potential flooding.
Forecasts indicate that Gezani may reach the channel between Madagascar and the east coast of Africa on Thursday, with warnings of a possible resurgence into a tropical cyclone that could affect Madagascar’s southwestern coast next week.
Authorities in Mozambique, having recently dealt with devastating floods last month that impacted over 700,000 residents, have also issued weather alerts, cautioning that three coastal provinces on the Indian Ocean may experience the effects of Gezani if it regains strength.
Previously, Tropical Cyclone Fytia struck on January 31, resulting in 14 fatalities in Madagascar and displacing more than 85,000 people, according to the disaster management agency.
The United Nations allocated $3 million from its emergency response fund to assist Madagascar in preparing for the repercussions of Gezani, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced on Monday.
The cyclone season in Madagascar extends from November to March, frequently subjecting the nation to severe weather calamities, hindering recovery efforts in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Madagascar, the fourth largest island globally, has faced over a dozen tropical storms or cyclones since 2020. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimates that these disasters cause approximately $85 million in damage to infrastructure annually, stunting the nation’s development.
Key Takeaways
- Tropical Cyclone Gezani has caused significant destruction in Madagascar, leading to at least 31 fatalities.
- The city of Toamasina is particularly hard-hit, with 75% of its infrastructure damaged or destroyed.
- Red alerts have been issued for potential flooding and landslides in affected regions.
- The United Nations has mobilized funds to assist with the storm’s impact.
- Madagascar’s cyclone season poses ongoing challenges for recovery efforts.
FAQ
What are the current impacts of Tropical Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar?
The cyclone has resulted in at least 31 deaths, numerous injuries, extensive damage to infrastructure, and displacements of over 6,000 individuals.
How vulnerable is Madagascar to cyclones?
Madagascar is highly susceptible to cyclones due to its location in the Indian Ocean, experiencing multiple such events each year.
What assistance is being provided to affected communities?
The United Nations has allocated $3 million to help Madagascar prepare for and mitigate the effects of Cyclone Gezani.
When is the cyclone season in Madagascar?
The cyclone season typically runs from November to March, bringing repeated weather-related disasters.
In conclusion, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Gezani highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Madagascar in dealing with natural disasters. The international community’s response and the resilience of the affected populations will be essential in the recovery efforts.
