Cyclone Gezani Strikes Madagascar, Causing Extensive Damage Reports
Cyclone Gezani has struck Madagascar shortly after the devastation wrought by Cyclone Fytia in late January, showcasing the island nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. As residents grapple with the aftermath of one storm, they now face the fury of another, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the region.
Madagascar’s national weather service has issued warnings of hurricane-force winds and heavy rains as Cyclone Gezani approaches the island nation. The storm is expected to cause widespread damage and flooding, compounding the already dire situation following Cyclone Fytia, which left at least 12 dead and displaced 31,000 people earlier this month.
As of Wednesday, local time, Meteo Madagascar alerted the public to hazardous conditions, including flash floods and landslides, particularly in several northeastern regions such as Analanjirofo and Atsinanana. The cyclone has already caused significant disruptions, including power outages and damage to infrastructure and homes, with reports from Toamasina, the capital of the Atsinanana region, describing scenes of devastation and chaos. Residents mentioned roofs blown off and walls collapsing, indicating the storm’s intensity and the urgent need for recovery efforts.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power in Madagascar following a military coup in October, plans to visit Toamasina to assess the damage and engage with affected communities as the cyclone passes. The CMRS cyclone forecaster from France’s Reunion island noted that Toamasina was severely impacted by Gezani, one of the most intense storms recorded in the region since the onset of satellite monitoring.
Initially classified as a cyclone, Gezani weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland but is forecasted to regain strength as it heads toward Mozambique, potentially affecting more regions. The storm made landfall approximately two weeks after Cyclone Fytia, which inflicted damage on more than 18,000 homes and numerous educational and health facilities, leading to significant public health concerns due to compromised water supplies.
Experts warn that climate change is intensifying tropical storms, primarily threatening island nations like Madagascar due to rising sea levels and increasing rainfall. This reality urges both local and international communities to prioritize climate adaptation strategies for the resilience of vulnerable populations.
ZezapTV will continue to monitor developments in Madagascar and the efforts being made to address the impacts of these recent storms.
#CultureNews #EnvironmentNews
