Tropical Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island, Prompting Emergency Measures
Tropical Cyclone Garance hit Reunion Island, leading to strong winds and heavy rain. Residents are urged to stay indoors as authorities reported power outages and flooding. Emergency shelters are in place, and previous cyclone damage has heightened the need for caution among the population.
Residents of Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, were advised to remain indoors on Friday as Tropical Cyclone Garance swept across the region. The cyclone unleashed heavy rainfall and winds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), resulting in flooding, extensive power outages, and structural damage to buildings. Authorities reported that 683 individuals took refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 were evacuated due to the elevated risk of flooding and landslides. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported as a result of the cyclone’s impact.
Significant disruptions were noted, with approximately 30% of residences experiencing power outages and nearly 10% of the island’s population, totaling 885,000, lacking access to drinking water. The prefecture indicated that strong winds had damaged roofs, doors, and windows across numerous structures. To assist the most affected regions, tarpaulins were dispatched to provide temporary shelter in the eastern part of the island.
As the situation evolved, authorities rescinded the highest purple cyclone warning on Friday morning, allowing for the commencement of rescue operations. Despite this development, the island remained under a red warning, with residents urged to stay indoors due to the expectation of continuing severe weather conditions. The national meteorological agency, Meteo France, reported wind speeds reaching 214 kilometers per hour at the main airport on the island.
Reunion is situated approximately 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, another French territory that recently suffered devastating effects from Cyclone Chido last December, which was deemed the worst cyclone in nearly a century. Reports from local authorities confirmed 40 deaths and 41 individuals missing or presumed buried as a result of the cyclone’s aftermath, leading to concerns that the toll may rise further.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Garance has significantly impacted Reunion Island, prompting emergency responses and precautionary measures. While some residents sought refuge from the storm, the situation remains critical due to ongoing severe weather, power outages, and infrastructure damage. The collective efforts of local authorities aim to address the immediate needs of affected residents while emphasizing safety during this challenging time.
Original Source: apnews.com
