Cyclone Gezani Kills Four in Mozambique as Madagascar Counts the Cost

At least four people have died in Mozambique after Tropical Cyclone Gezani lashed the southern coastal province of Inhambane, while neighboring Madagascar continues to assess the widespread damage caused by the powerful storm.

Although the cyclone did not make direct landfall in Mozambique, its strong winds, reaching up to 215 km/h (134 mph), caused significant disruption along the coast. Trees and power lines were brought down, leaving more than 13 000 people without electricity and interrupting water supply in several districts of Inhambane city, home to about 100 000 residents. The fatalities in Mozambique were reported to have resulted from falling trees and lightning strikes, highlighting the storm’s severe impact even without a direct hit.

In Madagascar, the effects of Cyclone Gezani were far more devastating. The storm struck the east coast, particularly affecting the major port city of Toamasina. Preliminary reports indicate that dozens of people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and thousands were displaced from their homes. Authorities estimate that nearly 75 % of buildings in Toamasina were damaged or destroyed, leaving residents struggling to access shelter, power, and running water.

The cyclone’s path has triggered a state of disaster declaration in Madagascar, with economic losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Tens of thousands of homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance, including food, clean water, and temporary shelter for those displaced.

The timing of Cyclone Gezani has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in both countries, which are still recovering from previous extreme weather events. Climate experts warn that storms in the Indian Ocean region are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, underscoring the need for stronger early warning systems, better disaster preparedness, and resilient infrastructure to protect communities from future events.

Emergency response teams in Mozambique and Madagascar are actively conducting search and rescue operations, clearing debris, restoring essential services, and coordinating humanitarian support to reach the hardest-hit areas. Local authorities, along with international partners, are working to ensure aid reaches families who have lost homes or suffered injury during the cyclone.

In both countries, residents are coming together to support one another in the aftermath, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of affected communities. The impact of Cyclone Gezani serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of tropical storms and the importance of preparedness, early warning, and community-level disaster management.

As Mozambique begins to restore power and Madagascar continues to survey damage and aid survivors, officials emphasize that recovery will take time. Long-term reconstruction and support for affected families will be critical to help communities rebuild and strengthen resilience against future cyclones in the region.

Source: Thepressradio.com