Cyclone Gezani: Death Toll Rises as Powerful Storm Ravages Madagascar’s Toamasina Port

Introduction: A Catastrophic Landfall in the Indian Ocean

A powerful tropical cyclone named Gezani has wrought catastrophic destruction upon Madagascar, striking the island nation’s primary commercial port city, Toamasina, with lethal force. Official reports from Madagascar’s national crisis management authority confirm a minimum of 31 fatalities directly linked to the storm’s passage. The cyclone, which made landfall on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, brought sustained winds reaching 250 km/h (155 mph), reducing significant portions of the city to rubble and triggering a large-scale humanitarian emergency. This event underscores the extreme vulnerability of Madagascar’s coastal populations to intense tropical cyclones, a recurring threat during the annual cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The devastation in Toamasina, a critical economic hub, is described by national authorities as “total chaos,” with preliminary assessments indicating that approximately 75% of the city’s structures suffered severe damage. This article provides a detailed, verifiable account of the event, explores the meteorological and infrastructural factors that amplified its impact, and offers essential guidance on cyclone preparedness for at-risk regions.

Key Points: Immediate Facts and Figures

The following points summarize the confirmed, critical information regarding Cyclone Gezani’s impact on Madagascar as reported by official agencies and international news outlets.

• Fatalities: At least 31 people have died, primarily due to collapsing buildings in the impact zone around Toamasina.
• Location of Impact: The cyclone made direct landfall on Toamasina (Tamatave), Madagascar’s largest port city and its second-largest urban center, home to approximately 400,000 residents.
• Wind Intensity: Maximum sustained winds at landfall were estimated at 250 km/h (155 mph), classifying Gezani as an intense tropical cyclone (equivalent to a high-end Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale).
• Extent of Destruction: Madagascar’s army chief reported “total chaos” with an estimated 75% of Toamasina destroyed. Humanitarian officials on the ground stated that 90% of roofs in affected neighborhoods were blown off, either completely or partially.
• Infrastructure Damage: Widespread power outages, uprooted trees, and significant structural damage to homes and commercial buildings were reported. Several vessels were grounded in the port.
• Humanitarian Response: Madagascar’s crisis office has evacuated dozens of injured individuals and hundreds of residents from the most affected districts. Emergency shelters were pre-positioned ahead of the storm.
• Current Cyclone Status: As of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Gezani weakened to a moderate tropical storm and moved westward inland, crossing the central highlands toward the Mozambique Channel.
• Seasonal Context: Gezani is the second cyclone to strike Madagascar in the 2025-2026 season, following Tropical Cyclone Fytia which killed 14 people and displaced over 31,000 just ten days prior.

Background: Madagascar’s Perennial Battle with Cyclones

Geographic and Climactic Vulnerability

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, located in the southwestern Indian Ocean, is exceptionally prone to tropical cyclones. Its long coastline, low-lying coastal plains, and position within a warm ocean basin create ideal conditions for cyclone formation and landfall. The official cyclone season in this region runs from November to April, with an average of 10-12 named storms per year, several of which reach cyclone strength (winds ≥ 118 km/h or 73 mph).

Toamasina: A Critical Economic Target

Toamasina serves as Madagascar’s primary seaport, handling the majority of the country’s international trade. Its strategic economic importance means that cyclones striking this region have amplified national consequences, disrupting supply chains, export revenues (particularly of vanilla, nickel, and cloves), and humanitarian aid logistics for the entire island. The city’s dense population and often substandard housing construction, using lightweight materials, make it particularly susceptible to wind damage and storm surge.

Recent Cyclone History

The impact of Cyclone Gezani cannot be viewed in isolation. Madagascar was still reeling from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which made landfall less than two weeks earlier. Fytia caused 14 deaths and displaced more than 31,000 people, straining the nation’s emergency response capacity and leaving communities more vulnerable to a second successive major storm. This sequence of back-to-back cyclones is a grim reminder of the compounding disaster risks in the region.

Analysis: Why Was Cyclone Gezani So Devastating?

Meteorological Intensity and Track

According to the Cyclone Warning Center (CMRS) on France’s Réunion island, Gezani’s landfall near Toamasina is likely to have been one of the most intense recorded in the satellite era for that specific location. The storm’s compact structure and ferocious winds exceeded 250 km/h, a speed capable of catastrophic failure in most residential and commercial structures. Its track directly over the city maximized wind damage and likely generated a significant storm surge, inundating low-lying coastal areas.

Infrastructure and Building Vulnerability

Reports of “90% of roofs blown off” point to a critical failure in building resilience. In many informal settlements and even some formal areas, structures are built with corrugated metal sheets, wood, and other materials not designed to withstand cyclone-force winds. Once roofs are compromised, entire walls can collapse under the internal pressure changes, explaining the high number of fatalities from building collapses cited by authorities.

Compounding Disasters and Response Strain

The timing of Gezani, so soon after Fytia, created a “compound disaster.” Emergency shelters may have already been occupied, supplies depleted, and response teams fatigued. The national crisis management office explicitly stated that “the current situation exceeds Madagascar’s capabilities alone,” indicating a need for substantial international humanitarian assistance. The destruction of the port itself further complicates the logistics of bringing in that aid.

Climate Change Context

While individual weather events cannot be solely attributed to climate change, the scientific consensus indicates that a warming Indian Ocean is likely increasing the proportion of tropical cyclones that reach very high intensities (Category 4 and 5 equivalent). Madagascar, as a developing nation with limited adaptive capacity, faces disproportionate risks from these intensifying storms. The consecutive strikes of Fytia and Gezani align with patterns of increased activity in the basin.

Practical Advice: Cyclone Preparedness for High-Risk Regions

For communities living in cyclone-prone areas like Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, preparedness is a life-saving necessity. The following advice is based on best practices from humanitarian and meteorological organizations.

Before a Cyclone (Preparedness Phase)

• Heed Official Warnings: Act immediately on evacuation orders from the national meteorological service or disaster management agency. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Secure Your Shelter: If you live in a vulnerable structure (lightweight walls, sheet metal roof), identify and move to a designated emergency shelter (school, community center, robust concrete building) as early as possible.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with at least 72 hours of supplies: clean water (1 gallon/person/day), non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, essential medications, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, important documents in waterproof containers, and cash.
• Secure Property: Board up windows, secure loose outdoor items (garden furniture, tools) that could become projectiles, and clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding.
• Plan Communication: Establish a family meeting point and an out-of-area contact person. Ensure all family members know the plan.

During a Cyclone (Safety Phase)

• Take Shelter Immediately: Move to your pre-identified safe room or shelter. Stay away from windows and glass doors.
• Monitor Updates: Use your battery-powered radio to receive continuous updates from official sources.
• Do Not Venture Out: The lull of the eye of the cyclone is deceptive. Violent winds will return from the opposite direction. Remain in shelter until an official “all clear” is given.

After a Cyclone (Recovery Phase)

• Check for Hazards: Be cautious of downed power lines, gas leaks, and damaged buildings. Do not enter damaged structures.
• Use Safe Water: Assume tap water is contaminated until declared safe. Use bottled water or boil water for drinking and cooking.
• Assess Damage Carefully: Document damage with photos for insurance or aid claims, but prioritize safety.
• Assist Neighbors: Check on vulnerable neighbors, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a cyclone, hurricane, and typhoon?

They are the same meteorological phenomenon: a large, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a closed circulation and strong winds. The name changes based on the ocean where it forms. “Cyclone” is used in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, “hurricane” in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, and “typhoon” in the Northwest Pacific.

Why is Madagascar so frequently hit by cyclones?

Madagascar’s location in the open waters of the southwestern Indian Ocean places it directly in the main development and track region for tropical cyclones. Warm sea surface temperatures (above 26.5°C or 80°F) and low vertical wind shear from November to April provide the perfect environment for these storms to form and intensify.

How does Cyclone Gezani compare to past cyclones in Madagascar?

While historical records are less comprehensive, the CMRS notes that Gezani’s intensity at landfall in Toamasina is among the highest recorded since the advent of reliable satellite monitoring in the