Micah Jonah
February 13, 2026
At least 38 people have been confirmed dead, more than 12,000 displaced after Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern coast, with Mozambique now preparing for the storm’s expected arrival.
Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management said six people remain missing while at least 374 others were injured. The cyclone made landfall on Tuesday in the coastal city of Toamasina, packing winds of up to 250km/h.
Authorities reported that more than 18,000 homes were destroyed and at least 50,000 damaged or flooded. Large sections of Toamasina were left in ruins, with fallen trees, torn-off rooftops and collapsed buildings. Many of the fatalities were linked to structural failures, as weak buildings gave way under the storm’s force.
The main road connecting Toamasina to the capital, Antananarivo, was cut off in several places, disrupting humanitarian access. Telecommunications services were also reported to be unstable.
Madagascar’s leader declared a national disaster and appealed for international assistance, as rescue teams and residents continued recovery efforts. France has announced the deployment of aid and rescue teams from Reunion Island.
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration described the destruction as widespread, noting that thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes.
Although the storm weakened after landfall, meteorological authorities forecast that it could regain cyclone strength over the Mozambique Channel before striking southern Mozambique. Officials there have warned of violent winds and waves reaching up to 10 metres, urging residents in affected areas to evacuate.
Both Madagascar and Mozambique frequently experience severe cyclones during the Indian Ocean storm season. Just last month, another cyclone struck northwestern Madagascar, leaving at least 14 people dead. Mozambique has also faced significant flooding in recent months, with nearly 140 fatalities recorded since October.
