Cyclone Gezani leaves at least 59 dead and thousands displaced in Madagascar

Madagascar's disaster agency reported at least 59 deaths and more than 16,000 people displaced by Cyclone Gezani; forecasts show the storm looping back toward southwestern Madagascar with a possible second landfall on Monday.

Madagascar has been hit by Cyclone Gezani, which officials say caused widespread disruption last week. The country's disaster management office confirmed at least 59 deaths and reported large numbers of displaced and injured people. Gezani arrived about ten days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which the UN reported killed 14 and displaced more than 31,000 people. Nearby Mozambique has also experienced storm impacts and is recovering from recent severe flooding. Known facts: - Madagascar's National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management reported at least 59 deaths, 16,428 displaced, 15 missing, 804 injured and 423,986 people affected. - Meteorological reports recorded Gezani's peak sustained winds near 185 km/h with gusts up to about 270 km/h, and the system moved across the Mozambique Channel. - Forecasts show Gezani curving back east over the channel with a possible second landfall in southwestern Madagascar on Monday; Ampanihy district has been placed on red alert. - Mozambique has reported heavy winds and waves linked to the system and is also dealing with recent flooding that affected large numbers of people, according to UN agencies. Summary: Cyclone Gezani has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Madagascar and has added pressure on neighbouring Mozambique, which is recovering from heavy flooding. Forecast models indicate the storm may loop back toward southwestern Madagascar with a potential second landfall on Monday.