Authorities reported on Wednesday that at least nine individuals lost their lives on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar following the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which brought winds exceeding 195 kph (121 mph).
The weather service in Madagascar has issued red alerts for multiple areas, cautioning about potential floods and landslides as Gezani traverses the predominantly impoverished nation of 31 million residents.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that building collapses have resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and injuries to at least 19 others.
Residents informed The Associated Press that the cyclone struck the eastern city of Toamasina, the island's primary port, causing significant destruction.
According to videos shared on the president's office Facebook page, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina, who assumed office following a military coup in October, traveled to Toamasina to assess the damage and interact with locals.
It's a scene of destruction. Roofs are missing, walls have fallen, power lines are down, and trees have been uprooted. It resembles a disaster-stricken area," said Michel, a resident of Toamasina, who provided only his first name, over the phone.
According to the national weather service, Gezani was expected to travel from east to west across Madagascar on Wednesday, although it had diminished to a tropical storm with wind speeds of approximately 110 kph (68 mph).
The storm moved approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Antananarivo, the capital, which is among the areas under a red alert for potential flooding.
Gezani struck less than a fortnight following Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which resulted in 14 fatalities in Madagascar, as reported by the risk and disaster management agency.
