Cyclone Gezani has made its impact felt in Mozambique’s southern coastal province of Inhambane, resulting in the loss of at least four lives, as confirmed by local authorities. This severe weather event follows a devastating passage over Madagascar, where the cyclone claimed at least 41 lives and left behind significant destruction across the island.

Meteorologists from AFP reported that the powerful winds of Cyclone Gezani reached speeds of up to 215 km/h (134 mph) as it struck Inhambane. The storm caused extensive damage, toppling trees and uprooting power lines, which resulted in over 13,000 residents being left without electricity. In addition, water supplies were disrupted in many districts of Inhambane, a city home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants.

Mozambique has faced a series of weather-related calamities in recent years, reflecting the broader challenges posed by climate change. The nation is currently in recovery mode after experiencing severe flooding that impacted over 700,000 individuals and caused substantial damage to more than 170,000 homes, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Meanwhile, the situation in Madagascar remains critical following the cyclone’s assault. In response to the widespread destruction, the Malagasy government has declared a national emergency. Preliminary estimates indicate that the storm’s aftermath could total around 2 million in damages. Beyond the fatalities, the cyclone has injured at least 427 individuals and displaced roughly 16,300 people, highlighting the storm’s profound humanitarian impact.

The cyclone’s path had catastrophic effects on Toamasina, Madagascar’s second-largest city with a population of 400,000. Local leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina reported that approximately 75 percent of the city has been devastated. Tania Goosens, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) director for Madagascar, expressed that the scale of destruction in Toamasina is “overwhelming,” noting that up to 80 percent of the city has suffered damage. It has been reported that the power supply is functioning at only about 5 percent of its usual capacity, leaving the city without water and electricity, with vital infrastructure, including the WFP’s office and warehouse, entirely destroyed.

As Madagascar and Mozambique navigate these immense challenges, the international community stands ready to assist in recovery efforts, exemplifying global solidarity in the face of natural disasters.

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