Cyclone Gezani hits Madagascar, at least 20 killed, 33 injured

At least 20 people have been killed in Madagascar as Cyclone Gezani made landfall, leaving a trail of destruction on the Indian Ocean island. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management said many of the 20 deaths it had recorded so far were caused by collapsing buildings and that at least 33 had been injured after the cyclone made landfall on Tuesday night in the eastern port city of Toamasina.Authorities said the storm, which unleashed winds in excess of 195km per hour (121mph), was forecast to move across the island from east to west on Wednesday, though gusts have now weakened to speeds of about 110km per hour (68mph).
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management warned the toll could rise. Red alerts were issued across several regions due to threats of flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, Gezani weakened to a tropical storm as it moved westward; heavy rains and strong winds continued. The cyclone struck less than two weeks after Cyclone Fytia killed 14 people in the country. Gezani has already caused flooding, electricity outages and widespread damage to homes, according to residents.