Monday, February 16, 2026-The human cost of Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar has surged alarmingly, with officials confirming at least 59 people have now died and 15 others remain missing after the powerful storm tore through the island nation last week.
The latest figures released by the national disaster management authorities show that more than 16,000 residents have been displaced, with hundreds injured and nearly half a million people affected across multiple regions, underscoring the storm’s catastrophic reach.
The destruction in key population centers, especially the port city of Toamasina, has been severe. Winds peaking near 270 km/h ripped roofs from homes, toppled trees, and knocked out critical services, leaving many communities without electricity and clean water.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, the cyclone destroyed tens of thousands of homes and damaged critical infrastructure, creating an urgent need for emergency shelter, medical care, and safe drinking water.
Relief and search-and-rescue operations are underway, but major challenges persist as Madagascar grapples with successive storms in a short period. With forecasts indicating that the system could loop back toward the country, authorities remain on heightened alert and are calling for accelerated humanitarian support to prevent further loss. The scale of this disaster highlights the urgent need for both immediate relief and stronger resilience against increasingly extreme weather events.
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