Cyclone Garance Causes Devastation in Réunion Island

Cyclone Garance hit Réunion Island, causing four deaths and extensive flooding. The storm resulted in over 310,000 people without water and 180,000 without electricity. Rescue efforts are ongoing with aid sent from France, while multiple tropical storms were reported active in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cyclone Garance has devastated Réunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, leading to at least four fatalities and extensive damage. The cyclone, which impacted the northern region of the island on February 28, generated wind speeds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour. Flash floods, mudslides, and wind-related incidents resulted in numerous casualties, with the storm being noted as the most powerful since Tropical Cyclone Firinga in 1989.

The cyclone left over 310,000 inhabitants without water and more than 180,000 without electricity, forcing nearly 1,000 individuals into temporary shelters. Vincent Clain, a local resident, expressed his fear, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.” The French government has intervened, dispatching 200 firefighters and emergency responders from mainland France and Mayotte to assist in recovery efforts.

As authorities work on clearing blocked roads caused by fallen trees, both Réunion and Mauritius have closed their airports due to the cyclone conditions. In a broader context, Cyclone Garance was one of six tropical storms actively occurring in the Southern Hemisphere. Other storms included Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Severe Tropical Storm Honde, influencing weather patterns across regions including Madagascar and Australia.

Lauren Herdman of MetDesk noted that while concurrent tropical storms are infrequent, it is not unusual, although such occurrences within one ocean basin are rarer. The response teams are utilizing tarpaulins for makeshift shelters in the hardest-hit areas of Réunion to provide immediate relief to affected individuals.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has significantly impacted Réunion Island, resulting in fatalities, extensive flooding, and widespread power outages. The French government has mobilized aid workers to assist in recovery efforts, highlighting the urgency of clearing debris and restoring essential services. This event underscores the intensity of tropical cyclones and their capability to affect regions substantially.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com