Madagascar Churches Unite to Rebuild After Cyclone Gezani

After Cyclone Gezani tore through Madagascar with 240 kilometer per hour winds, the entire Catholic community across the island sprang into action to help devastated families. The response united all dioceses in a nationwide relief effort that's bringing hope to thousands who lost everything.

The cyclone hit the coastal city of Tamatave with devastating force, destroying between 75 and 80 percent of homes in the city's poorest neighborhoods. Families living in wood and straw houses watched their communities literally razed to the ground as the massive storm ripped through central Madagascar.

Bishop Rosario Vella of Moramanga described the immediate response. "We all acted immediately, not only for the houses, but above all for the families who lost practically everything they owned," he told Fides during a visit to Rome.

Every diocese launched fundraising campaigns through their Caritas offices to collect money, food, clothing, and daily necessities. The coordinated effort reached far beyond the hardest hit areas, with communities across Madagascar contributing to help their neighbors rebuild.

Churches themselves suffered severe damage, with some losing roofs entirely and others completely destroyed. One church in Tamatave had its roof torn completely off. Schools run by religious communities also sustained major damage, with some buildings reduced to rubble.

The Ripple Effect

The crisis sparked an unexpected partnership. Madagascar's government, which Bishop Vella noted "usually does very little in such cases," became actively involved in relief efforts this time. The cooperation between religious communities and government agencies represents a promising new approach to disaster response on the island, which faces cyclones every year.

Even dioceses 200 kilometers from the affected areas joined the relief work. Bishop Vella's own diocese of Moramanga escaped the worst damage but still rallied resources for communities closer to the storm's path.

The bishop plans to visit affected areas immediately upon returning home to assess damage and support families working to rebuild. The nationwide response shows how quickly communities can mobilize when disaster strikes, turning tragedy into an opportunity for unity and practical compassion.