Cyclone Gezani: A Stark Reminder of Southern Africa’s Climate Vulnerability
Cyclone Gezani has delivered a devastating blow to Mozambique and Madagascar, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. As of February 15, 2026, the storm has claimed at least 45 lives across the two nations – four in Mozambique’s Inhambane province and 41 in Madagascar. The rapid succession of extreme weather events underscores the increasing climate vulnerability of Southern Africa.
Mozambique Reels from Latest Disaster
Inhambane, Mozambique, bore the brunt of the cyclone’s fury on Saturday, experiencing winds reaching 215km per hour (134mph). Over 13,000 residents are without power, and water supplies have been disrupted across several districts of the city, which is home to approximately 100,000 people. This latest disaster comes as Mozambique continues to recover from recent severe flooding that impacted over 700,000 people and damaged more than 170,000 homes.
Madagascar Faces Widespread Devastation
The impact in Madagascar is particularly severe. The government has declared a national emergency following the cyclone’s passage through the island nation. The storm caused an estimated $142 million in damage. Toamasina, Madagascar’s second-largest city with a population of 400,000, has been left devastated, with approximately 75 percent of the city reportedly destroyed. Over 427 people have been injured, and more than 16,300 have been displaced.
The Rising Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
The back-to-back impact of Cyclone Gezani and the preceding floods highlights a worrying trend: the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Southern Africa. Scientists attribute this escalation to climate change, which is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the region.
Infrastructure Strain and Humanitarian Needs
The damage to infrastructure – including power grids and water systems – poses significant challenges to recovery efforts. In Toamasina, Madagascar, electricity access is down to just 5 percent, and water supplies are non-existent. Humanitarian organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), are struggling to provide aid, with even their own facilities suffering damage. The WFP’s office and a warehouse in Toamasina were completely destroyed.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience in a Changing Climate
The events surrounding Cyclone Gezani underscore the urgent necessitate for increased investment in climate resilience measures across Southern Africa. This includes strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and implementing sustainable land management practices. Addressing the root causes of climate change through global emissions reductions is also crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a cyclone?
- A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure. They are characterized by inward spiraling winds.
- How does climate change affect cyclones?
- Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of cyclones, though not necessarily their frequency. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for these storms.
- What is being done to help those affected by Cyclone Gezani?
- Governments and humanitarian organizations are providing emergency assistance, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. Recovery efforts are underway, but will require significant resources.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about weather warnings and evacuation orders in your area. Having a preparedness plan can significantly reduce your risk during extreme weather events.
Learn more about climate change and its impact on vulnerable regions at the United Nations Climate Change website.
What are your thoughts on the increasing frequency of extreme weather events? Share your comments below.
