• Cyclone Gezani has struck Madagascar, resulting in at least 20 confirmed deaths.
• The storm made landfall in Toamasina with winds reaching up to 250 km/h, causing extensive damage.
• Authorities report total chaos with over 90% of roofs damaged in some areas.
• Fifteen people remain missing, and roads are blocked due to debris.
• Madagascar's new leader has called for international assistance to address the crisis.

Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday in the coastal city of Toamasina, causing devastating effects including at least 20 deaths and extensive flooding. The cyclone's winds reached 250 kilometers per hour, resulting in significant destruction across the region. Reports reveal that many fatalities were due to house collapses as the storm ravaged the area. Drone footage has shown large parts of Toamasina submerged, with residents describing scenes of "total chaos," according to Africanews and BBC.

The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management stated that Cyclone Gezani struck Toamasina with incredible force, leading to widespread destruction and leaving fifteen individuals missing. Reports indicate up to 90% of homes in the hardest-hit areas had roofs damaged or completely removed. Local disaster management officials estimated that nearly 75% of the city was devastated by the cyclone, prompting calls for urgent international aid, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

The cyclone, described as one of the most intense in the satellite era, has prompted widespread evacuations and emergency responses. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar's new leader, visited Toamasina to assess the situation and gauge the extent of the damage. He claimed that “the current situation exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone,” urging for international support to aid recovery efforts, as reported by BBC and Le Monde.

As vaccinations for the ongoing cyclone season, meteorological reports indicate that the cyclone has weakened to a tropical storm but may regain strength as it moves back into the Mozambique Channel. The potential for further flooding in affected regions persists, raising concerns about public health and safety, according to Al Jazeera and Africanews.