Cyclone Gizanni hits Madagascar: 36 dead and widespread destruction in Toamasina

Madagascar has been struck by another humanitarian tragedy as the death toll from Cyclone Jizani, which devastated the country last Tuesday, has risen to at least 36. The cyclone left behind widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes. Official reports indicate that more than 370 people sustained injuries of varying severity, while some 18,000 homes across the country were either completely or partially destroyed, displacing thousands of families and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis on the Indian Ocean island.

Details of the losses in Tomasina

In a statement issued by Madagascar's National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, it was confirmed that the city of Toamasina, the country's main port and vital economic hub, was the hardest hit by the disaster. The region alone recorded 32 deaths, reflecting the scale of the blow to this crucial economic artery. The office indicated that the cyclone, accompanied by winds exceeding 195 kilometers per hour, completely destroyed 17,980 homes and damaged more than 37,000 others, necessitating urgent intervention to shelter those affected.

The geographical and climatic context of Madagascar

This disaster comes in a geographical and climatic context that makes Madagascar one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The island, located off the east coast of Africa, lies in the direct path of tropical cyclones that form in the Indian Ocean, particularly during the rainy season, which typically lasts from November to April. The country faces ongoing challenges in dealing with these extreme weather events due to the fragile infrastructure in many rural and coastal areas, which exacerbates the human and material losses with each storm.

Economic and humanitarian repercussions

Typhoon Jizani is expected to have long-term economic repercussions, particularly as it struck the economic hub of Tomasina. The disruption or damage to the main port will likely affect supply chains, potentially impacting the availability of essential goods and food in local markets, as well as impacting exports. The post-typhoon recovery phase will require intensive international and local efforts for reconstruction and the provision of urgent medical and food aid to the affected areas to prevent disease outbreaks or famine.

A history of devastating hurricanes

This incident is not isolated, but rather part of a series of disasters that have recently struck the island. Madagascar has been hit by more than a dozen powerful cyclones or tropical storms since 2020, placing immense strain on the country's budget and its ability to recover. Climate experts suggest that global climate change may contribute to an increase in the intensity and frequency of these cyclones, necessitating more robust adaptation strategies to protect lives and property in the future.