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February 16, 2026 - Gezani in the Mozambique Channel
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Deadly Tropical Cyclone Gezani was strengthening over the Mozambique Channel as it headed towards mainland Africa on February 12, 2026. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this true-color image on that same day. Near the time this image was acquired, maximum sustained winds were reported to be near 85 miles per hour (137 km/h), which is the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The storm made landfall near Toamasina, a city in northeastern Madagascar on February 10. Just before landfall, Gezani reached peak maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour (201 km/h) and appears to have maintained that strength until completely over land. That is equivalent to a major Category 3 hurricane.
After landfall, the cyclone charged across Madagascar, bringing heavy destruction to eastern and central portions of the island, before entering the Mozambique Strait on February 11 as a weak tropical disturbance. On February 13, winds had reached 115 mph (185 km/h), bringing it once again to Category 3 strength. On that date, the center of the storm barely missed Inhambane, Mozambique as Gezani turned southward and passed just offshore while lashing the coast with intense Category 3 winds. By February 15, the cyclone had curved eastward and began to approach southwestern Mozambique, still maintaining winds near 100 miles per hour (161 km/h).
Damage assessment is in early stages. According to a ReliefWeb report on Madagascar, as of February 13 at least 36 people had died, six were missing, and 374 were injured. An estimated 257,222 people have been affected, including 8,852 displaced. The report stated that nearly 18,000 houses were destroyed, over 37,000 damaged, and close to 12,000 flooded. A red alert was issued for multiple rivers at risk for severe and life-threatening flooding. The Government of Madagascar launched a call for international support. Authorities, with support from the UN and partners, are leading search and rescue, evacuation, shelter, and food assistance efforts.
In Mozambique, few reports are yet available of damage, a travel site states that Massinga, Morrumbene, and parts of Vilankulo reported roof damage, fallen trees, and temporary power outages. Coastal communities faced strong onshore winds and heavy surf conditions, with localized road access temporarily restricted due to debris and standing water. Other sources state that about 13,000 people in Inhambane were without power and some without water due to Tropical Cyclone Gezani.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 2/12/2026
Resolutions:
1km (1023.3 KB), 500m (3.1 MB), 250m (4.8 MB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
Deadly Tropical Cyclone Gezani was strengthening over the Mozambique Channel as it headed towards mainland Africa on February 12, 2026. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this true-color image on that same day. Near the time this image was acquired, maximum sustained winds were reported to be near 85 miles per hour (137 km/h), which is the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The storm made landfall near Toamasina, a city in northeastern Madagascar on February 10. Just before landfall, Gezani reached peak maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour (201 km/h) and appears to have maintained that strength until completely over land. That is equivalent to a major Category 3 hurricane.
After landfall, the cyclone charged across Madagascar, bringing heavy destruction to eastern and central portions of the island, before entering the Mozambique Strait on February 11 as a weak tropical disturbance. On February 13, winds had reached 115 mph (185 km/h), bringing it once again to Category 3 strength. On that date, the center of the storm barely missed Inhambane, Mozambique as Gezani turned southward and passed just offshore while lashing the coast with intense Category 3 winds. By February 15, the cyclone had curved eastward and began to approach southwestern Mozambique, still maintaining winds near 100 miles per hour (161 km/h).
Damage assessment is in early stages. According to a ReliefWeb report on Madagascar, as of February 13 at least 36 people had died, six were missing, and 374 were injured. An estimated 257,222 people have been affected, including 8,852 displaced. The report stated that nearly 18,000 houses were destroyed, over 37,000 damaged, and close to 12,000 flooded. A red alert was issued for multiple rivers at risk for severe and life-threatening flooding. The Government of Madagascar launched a call for international support. Authorities, with support from the UN and partners, are leading search and rescue, evacuation, shelter, and food assistance efforts.
In Mozambique, few reports are yet available of damage, a travel site states that Massinga, Morrumbene, and parts of Vilankulo reported roof damage, fallen trees, and temporary power outages. Coastal communities faced strong onshore winds and heavy surf conditions, with localized road access temporarily restricted due to debris and standing water. Other sources state that about 13,000 people in Inhambane were without power and some without water due to Tropical Cyclone Gezani.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 2/12/2026
Resolutions:
1km (1023.3 KB), 500m (3.1 MB), 250m (4.8 MB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
