Devastating Cyclone Gezani Strikes Madagascar, Claiming Lives and Causing Widespread Destruction

Thu Feb 12 2026 01:12:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cyclone Gezani claims at least 20 lives as it wreaks havoc in Madagascar's port city of Toamasina, leading to extensive evacuations and property destruction.

Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and leaving widespread devastation in Toamasina. With winds reaching 250 km/h, the cyclone caused significant structural damage, leading to chaotic scenes as residents faced power outages and collapsed houses. The disaster management office has initiated evacuations to ensure the safety of affected residents.

Devastating Cyclone Gezani Strikes Madagascar, Claiming Lives and Causing Widespread Destruction

At least 20 people have died after a powerful cyclone struck Madagascar, as reported by the disaster authority on the island. Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday, hitting Toamasina, the country’s main port.

Madagascar's disaster management office indicated that there was 'total chaos' with houses collapsing in the impacted zones, and numerous fatalities being recorded. The winds reached speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph). The cyclone was described as one of the most intense to hit the region in recent history.

The head of the disaster management unit, Rija Randrianarisoa, stated that approximately 90% of roofs in the region have been partially or completely blown off, contributing to significant destruction and dangerous living conditions for locals.

The cyclone's destructive path led officials to evacuate hundreds of residents around Toamasina, home to around 400,000 people. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, describing how the violent winds rattled metal doors and windows.

Cyclone Gezani is the second major storm to hit Madagascar within the span of a month, coming shortly after Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which had already caused devastation by killing 14 and displacing over 31,000 people.

As the cyclone weakened on its path inland, the nation’s new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, arrived in Toamasina to evaluate the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Emergency shelters were prepared in advance of the cyclone's arrival, and schools across the region were closed to safeguard against the impact.

Madagascar's meteorological service has forecasted that Cyclone Gezani will cross from the eastern to western highlands before moving out to sea later as it heads toward the Mozambique Channel.