Cyclone kills 20 in Madagascar as 2nd-largest city '75% destroyed'

"The country's new leader said Cyclone Gezani had destroyed nearly three-quarters of Madagascar's second-largest city Tsiky Sikonina / AFP Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday, slamming into the country's second-largest city, Toamasina, with winds reaching 250 kilometres (155 miles) per hour. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNRGC) said it had recorded 20 deaths, many after houses had collapsed."

""What happened is a disaster: nearly 75 percent of the city of Toamasina was destroyed," said the country's new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who had travelled to Toamasina ahead of the cyclone's landfall to support residents. "The current situation exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone," said Randrianirina, who seized power in October, calling on "international partners and donors" to support the impoverished island."

"Drone footage shared by the BNRGC on social media showed major flooding in the east coast city of 400,000 people, about 220 km northeast of the capital Antananarivo, with residents wading through water and roofs ripped off buildings. The city appeared battered, its streets littered with trees uprooted by the force of the cyclone. The storm had also caused carnage in the Atsinanana region surrounding the city, the authority said, adding that post-disaster assessments were still underway."

Cyclone Gezani made landfall near Toamasina with winds up to 250 km/h, causing major flooding, uprooted trees, and extensive structural damage. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management recorded 20 deaths, 15 missing, and at least 33 injured, with many fatalities from collapsed houses. Authorities and humanitarian groups report that roughly 75 percent of Toamasina was destroyed and about 90 percent of roofs were blown off in surrounding areas. Roads are blocked by debris and sheet metal, hindering rescue and assessments. The government called for international assistance, saying national capacities are exceeded and urgent support is needed.

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