The Indian Ocean cyclone season continues to wreak havoc across southeastern Africa, with Cyclone Gezani leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life in Mozambique and Madagascar. As of Saturday, February 15, 2026, at least 45 people have been confirmed dead across both nations, and tens of thousands more have been displaced. The storm, which peaked in intensity earlier this week, is a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events, a trend scientists link to climate change.
In Mozambique’s Inhambane province, officials have reported four fatalities as a direct result of Cyclone Gezani. The storm made landfall there on Saturday, unleashing winds of up to 215 kilometers per hour (134 mph), according to the AFP news agency. More than 13,000 people in the province are without power, and water supplies have been disrupted in several districts of the city of Inhambane, a city of approximately 100,000 residents. The damage comes as Mozambique continues to recover from recent severe flooding that impacted over 700,000 people and damaged more than 170,000 homes, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The devastation in Madagascar is far more extensive. At least 41 people have died on the island nation, and the government has declared a national emergency. The eye of the cyclone passed directly over Toamasina, Madagascar’s second-largest city, on Tuesday, causing widespread damage. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a leader on the island, stated that approximately 75 percent of Toamasina has been destroyed. The scale of the destruction is immense, with Tania Goosens, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Madagascar director, describing the situation as “overwhelming” on Friday. She reported that authorities estimate 80 percent of the city has sustained damage.
Madagascar Reels from Widespread Destruction
The impact on Toamasina is particularly acute. Goosens detailed the critical infrastructure failures, noting that the city is operating on only about 5 percent of its normal electricity capacity and has no access to running water. The WFP’s own office and a warehouse were completely destroyed by the cyclone. In addition to the 41 confirmed deaths, at least 427 people have been injured, and over 16,300 have been displaced from their homes, according to official reports. The economic cost of the damage in Madagascar is estimated at $142 million, further straining the resources of a nation already facing significant economic challenges.
Gezani’s Path and Intensity
Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani formed on February 4, 2026, initially as a tropical disturbance. It lingered in place for several days before beginning a southwest track. On February 8, the disturbance was upgraded to a moderate tropical storm and given the name Gezani. The storm rapidly intensified over the following days, reaching intense tropical cyclone status within a 30-hour period. At its peak, Gezani sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 953 hPa (mbar), according to data from the Wikipedia entry on the cyclone. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak 1-minute sustained winds at 205 km/h (125 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 956 hPa (mbar).
Climate Change and Increasing Cyclone Intensity
The frequency and intensity of cyclones in the South-West Indian Ocean region are a growing concern. Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is exacerbating these extreme weather events. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for cyclones to develop and intensify, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and more devastating storm surges. Mozambique, in particular, is highly vulnerable to these impacts, given its long coastline and low-lying areas. The recent flooding, coupled with the devastation from Cyclone Gezani, underscores the urgent need for increased investment in climate adaptation and disaster preparedness measures.
Ongoing Relief Efforts and Future Outlook
Relief efforts are underway in both Mozambique and Madagascar, with international organizations like the WFP working to provide emergency assistance to affected communities. The immediate priorities are to restore access to clean water, provide food and shelter, and deliver medical care to those injured in the storm. Though, the long-term recovery will be a significant undertaking, requiring substantial financial and logistical support. The governments of both countries are assessing the full extent of the damage and developing plans for reconstruction. Further updates on the situation, including information on how to contribute to relief efforts, will be available from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the WFP.
The focus now shifts to assessing the full extent of the damage and providing sustained support to those affected. The next official update from the Mozambican government regarding damage assessments and relief distribution is expected on February 22, 2026. Readers are encouraged to share this information and to consider supporting organizations providing aid to those impacted by Cyclone Gezani.
