 As Geralda moved ashore , the cyclone produced wind gusts as strong as 350 km / h ( 220 mph ) , among the strongest gusts worldwide in several decades . The storm also dropped heavy rainfall that caused landslides and severe flooding , mostly in Toamasina Province . About 80 % of the city of Toamasina was destroyed , including the country 's only petroleum refinery at the time . Damage to the refinery alone was estimated at $ 800 @,@ 000 . 
