Cyclone Gizani: Deaths and widespread destruction in Mozambique and Madagascar
Southern African countries continue to grapple with the aftermath of successive natural disasters. Cyclone Gizani the lives of at least four people in Mozambique , local authorities announced on Saturday. This tragic development comes just days after the same cyclone devastated Madagascar , leaving behind widespread destruction and dozens of deaths, exacerbating the region's humanitarian and economic crises.
Details of the disaster in Mozambique
According to the Mozambican Meteorological Service, the storm struck the coast with record-breaking winds of 215 kilometers per hour . The worst damage was concentrated in Enyambane , one of the largest and most popular tourist cities in the south, which was particularly vulnerable due to its location on the ocean.
The city of Enyimbane and its surrounding areas are home to approximately 100,000 people and are located about 500 kilometers from the capital, Maputo. The strong winds uprooted trees and power lines, leaving more than 130,000 people , according to data from national power companies. This is complicating relief efforts and communication in the affected areas.
The tragic situation in Madagascar
Before reaching Mozambique, the cyclone had already battered Madagascar, where the government declared a national state of emergency. Official figures indicate that the cyclone left at least 40 people dead and caused widespread destruction in Toamasina , the country's second-largest city with a population of approximately 400,000.
Authorities in Madagascar have stated that initial material losses from the storm are estimated at around $142 million , noting that about 75% of the city of Toamasina has been destroyed, including the tearing off of metal roofs of houses and hotels, as shown in pictures broadcast by international news agencies.
Regional context and the impact of climate change
The Mozambique Channel and the southwestern Indian Ocean are among the regions most vulnerable to severe tropical cyclones, particularly during the rainy season, which typically runs from November to April. Climate experts believe that rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are contributing to the increased intensity and frequency of these storms, placing further strain on the already fragile infrastructure of countries like Mozambique and Madagascar.
These disasters pose a significant challenge to local economies, as a large portion of the population depends on agriculture and fishing, sectors severely impacted by floods and strong winds. These events also raise concerns about outbreaks of waterborne diseases and exacerbate the internal displacement crisis, necessitating urgent international intervention to provide humanitarian assistance and support reconstruction efforts.
