Tropical Cyclone Garance Causes Destruction on Reunion Island

Tropical Cyclone Garance hit Reunion island, causing heavy rain, winds over 200 km/h, flooding, and power outages. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, and hundreds sought shelter. Emergency responses are underway with significant structural damage reported, though no fatalities have occurred. A red warning remains in effect as adverse weather conditions persist.

Tropical Cyclone Garance has struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, unleashing torrential rain and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). This severe weather has led to significant flooding, power outages, and damage to numerous structures on the island. The authorities have warned residents to remain indoors to ensure their safety as conditions worsen.

As a precaution, the Reunion prefecture confirmed that 683 individuals had sought refuge in emergency shelters, with 54 people evacuated due to risks of flooding and landslides. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities amid the storm’s impact. Approximately 30% of households are currently without power, and nearly 10% of the 885,000 residents lack access to potable water.

Strong winds have caused structural damage, including the loss of roofs, doors, and windows from numerous buildings. Emergency supplies, including tarpaulins, are being deployed to assist those in the hardest-hit areas, particularly in the eastern region of the island. Despite the lifting of the highest-level purple cyclone warning, a red warning remains in effect, advising residents to stay indoors as heavy rain continues.

Wind speeds recorded at the main airport on the island reached 214 kilometers per hour. Reunion is situated approximately 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, another French territory that experienced catastrophic damage from Cyclone Chido in December, resulting in 40 confirmed deaths and many others still missing.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has severely impacted Reunion island, prompting evacuation and shelter measures while causing power outages and infrastructure damage. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and residents are advised to stay indoors as hazardous conditions persist. Although no fatalities have been reported, the storm’s effects have been significant, necessitating ongoing relief efforts.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com