The storm, which struck Mozambique’s southern coastal province of Inhambane, followed swiftly by Madagascar, has caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods in both countries.
In Mozambique, at least four people have been confirmed dead and over 13,000 left without power following the cyclone’s wrath, according to the national electric company.
The reports news agency reported that Inhambane was lashed with winds of up to 215km per hour (134mph), toppling trees and power lines. Water supplies have also been cut off in several districts of the city. Mozambique has been addressing frequent weather-related disasters, which scientists attribute to climate change.
The country is still recovering from severe flooding that affected over 700,000 people and damaged more than 170,000 homes in recent weeks, as indicated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
In Madagascar, the situation is equally dire.
The cyclone killed at least 41 people and caused an estimated $142m in damage, according to the government.
The eye of the cyclone passed over Toamasina, the second — largest city, which has seen about 75 percent of its infrastructure destroyed.
The World Food Programme’s Madagascar director, Tania Goosens, described the scale of destruction as overwhelming, with the city running on roughly 5 percent of electricity and no water supply.
The aftermath of Cyclone Gezani has prompted the declaration of a national emergency in Madagascar and raised concerns about the impact on local economies and food security.
Further details are expected as search and rescue operations continue, and the full extent of the damage is assessed.
The Mozambican and Malagasy governments, along with international organizations, are likely to provide assistance in the coming days.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
