Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar: HI supports victims

On Wednesday, January 10, the powerful cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s east coast. Gezani, with winds exceeding 120 mph and heavy rainfall, made landfall in Toamasina.¹ With more than 500,000 inhabitants, it is Madagascar’s second-largest city. According to the CMRS (Specialized Regional Meteorological Center of La Réunion), the cyclone’s landfall was one of the most powerful in decades for the African nation. 

The consequences in Toamasina - also known by its former name, Tamatave - and the surrounding region are devastating. As of February 12, at least 31 deaths have been reported. The vast majority of buildings have been destroyed, damaged or affected by flooding. Around 250,000 people have been impacted by the disaster.² According to Madagascar authorities, approximately 75% of the city has been destroyed. 

After hitting Toamasina, the cyclone crossed the country with reduced intensity. It is now continuing towards Mozambique, where it may hit the east coast on Friday or Saturday, potentially with renewed strength. 

HI’s response 

HI Madagascar teams have been mobilized to provide assistance to the affected population.  

Starting on Friday, February 6, HI worked with organizations of people with disabilities to identify those most at risk: 144 people with disabilities were identified and promptly evacuated to easily accessible shelters in advance. In addition, 1,200 hygiene kits were prepared for distribution to the most vulnerable people. A team of four people arrived on February 12, visited the city of Toamasina two days after the cyclone struck to assess needs and identify priority gaps. 

“From the moment we knew what danger was coming, we took immediate action. Ensuring the safety of people with disabilities in advance is of prime importance. They are too often forgotten in disasters.” 
— Philippe Allard, Program Director, HI Madagascar 

In the weeks ahead, cyclone victims will receive financial support and psychological assistance. HI is also deploying its logistics team to improve access to the disaster area and facilitate humanitarian operations. In addition, it is supporting other humanitarian organizations to make their emergency response more inclusive, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not overlooked. 

Two cyclones in a row 

The passage of Cyclone Gezani came just 10 days after another cyclone. Fytia crossed the northern part of the island on January 31, hitting the Boeny region on the northwestern coast particularly hard. A total of 12 people were killed, and more than 200,000 were affected. Nearly 20,000 homes were destroyed, damaged, or flooded, and many schools and health centers were also impacted.³ 

“While we were setting up our emergency response to help victims of Cyclone Fytia, the next cyclone was already on its way. we are going to mobilize additional staff to respond to this double disaster.” 
— Philippe Allard, Program Director, HI Madagascar 

Vulnerable to climate change 

Madagascar regularly faces disasters such as droughts, floods, and cyclones. According to the UN, it is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The cyclone season in Madagascar typically runs from November to April, and on average, 1.3 million people are affected by cyclones each year. 

Apart from its humanitarian responses after disasters, HI has been working for years on disaster risk reduction projects in Madagascar. By anticipating hazards through prevention, risk mitigation, and preparedness, HI aims to reduce the number of people affected when a new crisis strikes. To improve cyclone readiness, for example, evacuation procedures are practiced and coordination and public awareness mechanisms are strengthened. 

Sources: 

¹ GDACS 

² France24 

³ OCHA