Cyclone Gezani Devastates Lasallian Schools in Madagascar

Published on March 6

Imagine waking up to find your city devastated by a powerful storm. Streets flooded, buildings damaged, and the place where you go to learn each day is no longer safe to enter. For many students in Toamasina, Madagascar, this has become a painful reality after Cyclone Gezani tore through the eastern coast with destructive force.

Two Lasallian schools in the city, Stella Maris and St. Joseph, were severely impacted by the cyclone. Powerful winds and heavy rains caused significant structural damage across both campuses. Roofs were torn off, ceilings collapsed, and several buildings suffered major structural damage. Classrooms were flooded with mud, leaving educational materials, furniture, and supplies destroyed due to extensive water infiltration.

Because of the damage, students are currently unable to return to safe classrooms. For many young people in Toamasina, these schools represent far more than a place to study. They are spaces of stability, safety, and opportunity, all of which have been suddenly disrupted. In the aftermath of the storm, local volunteers and firefighting teams have been working tirelessly to support cleanup and emergency response efforts. Their commitment has been vital in supporting the schools during these difficult days.

In the aftermath of the storm, local volunteers and firefighting teams have been working tirelessly to support cleanup and emergency response efforts. Their commitment has been vital in supporting the schools during these difficult days. Rebuilding Stella Maris and St. Joseph is about more than repairing walls and replacing desks. It is about restoring education, stability, and hope for the students who depend on these schools every day. Supporters are invited to help through the Lasallian Emergency Fund, which will assist in repairing the damaged facilities, replacing lost materials, and ensuring that students can return to safe classrooms as soon as possible.

Together, the Lasallian community can help these schools recover and continue their mission of educating and supporting the young people of Madagascar.