Madagascar: Cyclone Gezani Death Toll Reaches 59

The death toll from Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar has risen to 59. More than 800 people have been injured and 16,000 displaced.

The cyclone struck the Toamasina region, with winds reaching 250 km/h. Earlier in February, Tropical Cyclone Fitia had already caused at least seven deaths and displaced over 20,000 people in Madagascar.

Most of Gezani's victims were recorded in Toamasina (approximately 400,000 inhabitants). Around 25,000 homes were destroyed and another 27,000 flooded.

Pope Leo XIV expressed his support for the people of Madagascar. The World Food Programme highlighted the precarious situation, with the city operating with 5% of its electricity supply and no water.

China offered assistance of 100 million yuan (12 million euros), and France sent essential supplies from La Réunion.

Cyclone Gezani also caused the death of four people in Mozambique.