Cyclone Garance Devastates Reunion Island, Leaving Three Dead and Thousands Affected
Cyclone Garance has caused three deaths and widespread destruction on Reunion Island, with wind gusts reaching up to 234 km/h. The storm left over 180,000 homes without power and 170,000 without water. The local population was ordered to stay indoors as conditions worsened, surpassing the impact of a previous cyclone. Emergency services are preparing for recovery efforts as the situation stabilizes.
Cyclone Garance has struck Reunion Island, resulting in three fatalities and extensive damage. The storm, characterized by wind gusts reaching 234 km/h (145 mph), disrupted power supply to over 180,000 homes and left 170,000 residents without access to running water following its landfall on Friday morning. Authorities imposed a maximum alert level, ordering the entire population, including emergency personnel, to remain indoors due to the cyclone’s severe nature.
The adverse weather conditions were predicted to persist, with heavy rainfall expected into Friday evening. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou cautioned on X that Cyclone Garance continues to pose a threat. According to Prefect Patrice Latron, the conditions were described as “brutal and violent,” surpassing the impact of Cyclone Belal, which previously resulted in four deaths in January 2024.
Cyclone Garance made landfall in northern Reunion at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) before moving south and exiting the island by late afternoon, as reported by Meteo France. By midday, local authorities downgraded the alert status to facilitate emergency service operations after ensuring safety from the cyclone’s immediate threat. The peak wind speed of 234 km/h was the highest recorded since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994.
Vincent Clain, a local resident from the northern coast, shared his experience with AFP, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.” Additionally, around 100 emergency responders are prepared to deploy from the French territory of Mayotte, nearly 1,500 km away, along with another 100 from mainland France. In a related incident, a 55-year-old man is missing in nearby Mauritius after swimming in rough waters during the cyclone.
Cyclone Garance has inflicted significant destruction on Reunion Island, claiming three lives and impacting essential services like power and water supply. The unprecedented wind speeds and violent weather conditions have led to widespread evacuations and alerts. Measures are being taken for recovery, with military support on standby to assist once conditions improve.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
