 Geralda was the second cyclone in as many months to strike eastern Madagascar , after Daisy in January . Geralda produced wind gusts as strong as 350 km / h ( 220 mph ) , which were the highest worldwide for several decades . The cyclone also dropped heavy rainfall that caused flooding , particularly in valleys . About 80 % of the city of Toamasina was destroyed , including most schools , homes , and churches . The cyclone heavily damaged roads and rail lines , which later disrupted relief efforts . In the capital Antananarivo , Geralda killed 43 people after flooding many houses . Overall , more than 40 @,@ 000 homes were destroyed , leaving 356 @,@ 000 people homeless . Nationwide , the cyclone killed 231 people and caused over $ 10 million in damage ( 1994 USD ) . Relief work in the storm 's aftermath was hampered by lack of coordination , and the Malagasy military were deployed to help storm victims . Few stocks were pre @-@ positioned , causing food prices to rise greatly . Several countries and departments of the United Nations donated money or supplies to the country . 
