At least nine people died on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar after Tropical Cyclone Gejani packed winds of more than 195 kilometers (121 mph), authorities said Wednesday.
Gejani was forecast to move across Madagascar from east to west on Wednesday, although the system weakened to a tropical storm with sustained winds of about 110 kilometers (68 mph), according to the National Weather Service. (AFP file photo for representation)Madagascar’s weather service issued a red alert for several regions, warning of possible floods and landslides as Gezanni moved across the vastly impoverished country of 31 million people.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management said at least nine people died and at least 19 were injured in the building collapse.
The cyclone made landfall in the eastern town of Tomasina, the island’s main port, causing severe damage, residents told The Associated Press.
Madagascar President Michel Randrianrina, who took power in a military coup in October, visited Tomasina to survey the damage and meet with residents, according to a video posted on the president’s office’s Facebook page.
“It’s devastating. Roofs are blown off, walls are down, power poles are down, trees are uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape,” Tomasina resident Michelle, who gave only her first name, said by phone.
Gejani was forecast to move across Madagascar from east to west on Wednesday, although the system weakened to a tropical storm with sustained winds of about 110 kilometers (68 mph), according to the National Weather Service.
The storm moved about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the capital Antananarivo, an area under a red warning alert for possible flooding.
Gezani hit Madagascar less than two weeks after Tropical Cyclone Fitia killed 14 people, according to the Risk and Disaster Management Agency.
