The death toll from Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar has risen to 20, with 15 people still missing and more than 3,000 affected, according to official figures.

In its latest update released on Wednesday, Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said the cyclone impacted 12 districts across four regions in the eastern and central parts of the country.

Authorities confirmed that 33 people were injured, while 2,741 residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The eastern Atsinanana region, where the cyclone made landfall, suffered extensive damage, officials said.

Cyclone Gezani struck the port city of Toamasina on Tuesday before moving inland across central Madagascar, gradually weakening into a strong tropical storm. Despite the weakening, heavy rainfall and strong winds caused widespread destruction, disrupting daily life and critical services.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced via its official Facebook page that a cabinet meeting was held on Wednesday to mobilize all relevant institutions, ensure the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance, and assess damage on the ground.

Authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety instructions. As a precaution, Madagascar Airlines canceled all flights on Wednesday, while Antananarivo University suspended all academic and administrative activities for the day.

Madagascar’s meteorological service reported that Gezani is expected to move toward the Mozambique Channel by Wednesday evening. Continuous rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours, with weather conditions expected to gradually improve on Thursday.

Similar details and casualty figures have been reported by international news agencies and global media outlets, citing Madagascar’s disaster management authorities, confirming the scale of the humanitarian impact caused by Cyclone Gezani. (ILKHA)