General Info - MADAGASCAR 10TH FEB CYCLONE GEZANI

MADAGASCAR :

Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar on 10 February, caused significant damage to approximately 60% of the Port of Toamasina (Tamatave), a vital hub for the country’s economy and food security. According to the latest official reports from the Malagasy authorities, at least 62 people lost their lives and 13 remain missing following the cyclone.

From an operational standpoint, the landside areas were the most severely affected. The hardstand areas sustained heavy damage, and approximately 95% of the storage warehouses were devastated, with roofs completely torn off by strong winds. Some containers were displaced, and stored cargo suffered substantial deterioration.

Quay infrastructure was comparatively less impacted; however, harbor facilities were damaged, including around half of the container handling forklifts, which were still under repair last week.

The port was closed for approximately 48 hours ; operations resumed since 10/02, with the first vessels berthing again on 13/02 last. While maritime activities have restarted, a full operational recovery will depend on the restoration of the national road network to ensure the proper flow of goods to and from the capital, both for imports and exports.

Regarding the Port of Toamasina expansion project, no major structural damage has been reported. Following technical inspections conducted after the cyclone, the delivery of the 333-meter C4 quay remains scheduled for the end of March 2026.

The Port of Toamasina now appears to be operational again, although some visible traces of the cyclone’s passage remain, particularly on the landside facilities and certain handling equipment still under repair. We are awaiting further updates from our local surveyors to confirm whether any operational constraints persist or if residual issues may continue to affect cargo handling activities.