Madagascar: Cyclone kills dozens, causes widespread damage

"Local authorities in Madagascar on Wednesday said that at least 31 people have been killed by a tropical cyclone. The National Office for Risk Management and Civil Protection (BNGRC) said a number of people were still missing and that at least 36 people were injured. Tropical Cyclone Gezani swept across the island packing speeds of up to 270 kilometers an hour (167 miles an hour) the BNGRC said."

"In the Atsinanana region where Toamasina is located, around 80% of the infrastructure was destroyedImage: Hery Nirina Rabary/AP Photo/picture alliance Majority of deaths reported in Toamasina The agency said that 29 of the deaths were recorded in Toamasina on the island's second-largest city. In the aftermath of the weather system, 6,870 people were displaced, while a total 250,406 were classified as disaster victims, the BNGRC said."

"President Michael Randrianirina who took power in a military coup in October visited Toamasina to survey damage and meet residents. Videos posted on social media showed flooded neighborhoods and widespread damage. "It's devastation. Roofs have been blown away, walls have collapsed, power poles are down, trees have been uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape," resident Michel told the AP news agency."

At least 31 people were killed by Tropical Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar, with several still missing and at least 36 injured. Gezani swept across the island with winds up to 270 kilometers per hour (167 miles per hour). In the Atsinanana region around Toamasina, roughly three-quarters to 80% of infrastructure was damaged or destroyed, and 6,870 people were displaced. A total of 250,406 people were classified as disaster victims. President Michael Randrianirina visited Toamasina to survey damage. Videos showed flooded neighborhoods, collapsed walls, downed power poles, and uprooted trees. Forecasts indicate Gezani may move into the channel between Madagascar and Africa and could re-strengthen and return to Madagascar's southwest next week. Gezani followed Cyclone Fytia, which killed 14 and displaced over 31,000 people.

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