At least 31 people have died after a powerful cyclone struck Madagascar, according to the disaster authority in the Indian Ocean island. Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday, hitting the island's main port, Toamasina. Madagascar's disaster management office reported total chaos, with houses collapsing in the impact zone where multiple bodies were found. Neighborhoods were plunged into darkness as power lines snapped, while trees were uprooted and roofs ripped off. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the country's military leader, stated, What happened is a disaster; nearly 75% of the city of Toamasina was destroyed. He acknowledged that the current situation exceeds Madagascar's capabilities alone. The cyclone's landfall is deemed one of the most intense recorded in the satellite era, as winds reached 250 km/h (155 mph). The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported many people died when homes collapsed. Over 90% of roofs in Toamasina were deemed damaged or entirely blown off. As the situation becomes dire, hundreds of residents have been evacuated from the area. Local residents described the catastrophe, with one noting he had never experienced winds this violent. Having previously struck Madagascar just days before, Cyclone Gezani adds to the island's vulnerability during the cyclone season, which typically lasts from November to April, presenting significant challenges in rebuilding and recovery efforts.