Africa

Cyclone Gezani has left a devastating trail of destruction across Madagascar and Mozambique, claiming at least 45 lives and displacing thousands more. The storm, which initially battered Madagascar earlier this week, moved on to Mozambique’s Inhambane province, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in a region recently impacted by severe flooding.

The latest reports indicate at least four deaths in Mozambique’s Inhambane province, bringing the total confirmed death toll across both countries to 45. The storm’s impact is particularly acute in Madagascar, where 41 people have died, and approximately 16,300 have been displaced from their homes, according to officials. The scale of the disaster is prompting international aid organizations to mobilize resources for the affected populations.

Mozambique’s Inhambane province bore the brunt of the storm on Saturday, experiencing winds reaching up to 215 kilometers per hour (134 mph), as reported by the AFP news agency citing meteorologists. The powerful winds caused widespread damage, downing trees and power lines, and leaving over 13,000 people without electricity, according to the national electric company. Water supplies were also disrupted in several districts of Inhambane city, which is home to around 100,000 residents.

The situation in Madagascar remains critical. The government declared a national emergency after the cyclone’s eye passed over Toamasina, the country’s second-largest city, on Tuesday. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the Indian Ocean island’s leader, stated that approximately 75 percent of Toamasina had been destroyed. Tania Goosens, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Madagascar director, described the destruction as “overwhelming,” noting that authorities report 80 percent of the city has been damaged. She also reported that the city is functioning with only about 5 percent of its usual electricity and has no access to water, and that the WFP’s office and a warehouse were completely destroyed.

Widespread Damage and Infrastructure Collapse

Beyond the immediate loss of life, Cyclone Gezani has caused significant damage to infrastructure in both countries. In Mozambique, the storm disrupted essential services like electricity and water, impacting the daily lives of residents in Inhambane. Images circulating on social media show felled trees and damaged electrical poles in the city, highlighting the extent of the destruction. A hotel in Inhambane, the Monte Carlo, provided shelter to residents from vulnerable neighborhoods and shared images of roofs ripped from buildings.

In Madagascar, the economic impact is substantial. The government estimates the damage caused by the cyclone at $142 million. The destruction of infrastructure and homes will require significant investment for rebuilding and recovery efforts. The WFP is on the ground, assessing needs and providing assistance, but the scale of the disaster presents a major logistical challenge.

Climate Change and Increasing Vulnerability

Mozambique is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, a trend scientists attribute to climate change. The country is still recovering from severe flooding in recent weeks that affected over 700,000 people and damaged more than 170,000 homes, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This latest cyclone underscores the urgent need for increased investment in disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures.

The repeated cycle of disasters highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable nations. Mozambique and Madagascar, both with limited resources, are struggling to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. International support will be crucial in helping these countries adapt to the changing climate and build more resilient communities.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Aid Efforts

As both Mozambique and Madagascar begin the long process of recovery, the focus will be on providing immediate assistance to those affected, restoring essential services, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and further needs are likely to emerge in the coming days, and weeks. Continued monitoring of the situation and sustained international support will be vital to ensuring a successful recovery.

The aftermath of Cyclone Gezani serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change and the urgent need for global action. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and please share this article to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis in Madagascar and Mozambique.