What's happened
In February 2026, Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern port city Toamasina with winds up to 270 km/h, killing at least 38 people, injuring hundreds, and displacing thousands. The cyclone destroyed 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure, leaving widespread flooding and power outages. Madagascar’s military leader declared a national disaster and called for international aid amid ongoing recovery efforts.
What's behind the headline?
Severity and Scale of Destruction
Cyclone Gezani ranks among the most intense storms to hit Madagascar in recent decades, with wind speeds rivaling the catastrophic Cyclone Geralda of 1994. The destruction of 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure highlights the vulnerability of urban centers built with precarious materials. The collapse of buildings, widespread flooding, and power outages have compounded the humanitarian crisis.
Structural Vulnerabilities and Poverty
More than 70% of Madagascar’s homes are constructed from fragile materials like clay and foliage, which fail to withstand cyclonic winds. This structural fragility directly contributed to the high death toll and injuries. The island’s poverty limits both preparedness and recovery capacity, leaving many residents exposed to repeated disasters.
Political and Humanitarian Context
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power in a military coup in October 2025, has declared a national disaster and appealed for international solidarity. The government’s capacity to respond is overwhelmed, necessitating external aid. The cyclone’s timing, shortly after Cyclone Fytia, strains resources and complicates recovery.
Regional Implications and Future Risks
Gezani is forecast to regain cyclone strength in the Mozambique Channel, threatening southern Mozambique, which has recently suffered severe flooding. This pattern underscores the broader regional vulnerability to extreme weather exacerbated by climate change.
Forecast and Consequences
Madagascar will face prolonged recovery challenges, including rebuilding homes and infrastructure, addressing public health risks from flooding, and managing displacement. The repeated cyclone impacts will likely impede economic development and deepen humanitarian needs. International aid and improved disaster preparedness are critical to mitigating future losses.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera provides a comprehensive update, noting 38 deaths and extensive damage in Toamasina, with President Michael Randrianirina declaring a national disaster and calling for international aid. The AFP and France 24 highlight the cyclone's intensity, comparing it to the devastating 1994 Cyclone Geralda, and describe the widespread destruction and flooding. The Independent and Sky News focus on the human impact, detailing the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and quoting residents describing the devastation. The Associated Press and Reuters emphasize the cyclone's progression inland and the government's emergency response, including evacuations and red alerts for flooding and landslides. All Africa and NY Post provide additional context on the cyclone's wind speeds, displacement figures, and the challenges posed by Madagascar's vulnerable housing. Together, these sources paint a detailed picture of a nation grappling with a severe natural disaster amid limited resources and political instability.
How we got here
Madagascar, vulnerable to Indian Ocean cyclones, was hit by Tropical Cyclone Fytia just weeks earlier, which killed 14 and displaced over 31,000. The island’s poor infrastructure and widespread poverty exacerbate the impact of such storms. Cyclone season runs November to March, with frequent destructive storms causing recurring humanitarian crises.
Go deeper
- What is the current humanitarian situation in Toamasina?
- How is Madagascar preparing for future cyclones this season?
- What international aid has been mobilized for Madagascar?
Common question
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What Damage Has Cyclone Gezani Caused in Madagascar?
Cyclone Gezani, Madagascar's second major storm this year, has caused significant damage across the island. With wind speeds reaching up to 270 km/h, the cyclone has led to injuries, evacuations, and widespread destruction. Many are asking how severe the damage is and what the future holds for Madagascar as Gezani moves inland. Below, we explore the storm's impact, community responses, and the broader climate context.
More on these topics
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Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 kilometres off the coast of East Africa.
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Toamasina, meaning "like salt" or "salty", unofficially and in French Tamatave, is the capital of the Atsinanana region on the east coast of Madagascar on the Indian Ocean.
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Antananarivo, also known by its colonial shorthand form Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar. The administrative area of the city, known as Antananarivo-Renivohitra, is the capital of Analamanga region.
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Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country located in Southern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the sout