Tropical Cyclone Garance Devastates Réunion, Causing Deaths and Power Outages
Tropical Cyclone Garance struck Réunion on February 28, 2025, causing at least four deaths and crippling the infrastructure. With winds reaching 234 km/h (145 mph), the cyclone left over 180,000 households without power, water, and internet. Local authorities are managing the aftermath, and military support is on standby as recovery efforts commence.
Tropical Cyclone Garance made landfall on the northern coast of Réunion at 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC) on February 28, 2025. This powerful cyclone, rated as a Category 3 hurricane, brought severe winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in at least four fatalities and extensive damage. Thousands of residents lost access to essential services, including electricity, water, and internet.
As Garance approached land, it recorded sustained winds of up to 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph). Reports from Meteo-France indicated maximum gusts of 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, the highest since Cyclone Jenny impacted the island in 1962. Stronger winds were observed, peaking at 234 km/h (145 mph), comparable to Cyclone Hollanda’s impact in 1994.
Authorities described the winds as “brutal and violent,” and Prefect Patrice Latron emphasized the severity of the storm compared to Cyclone Belal, which previously caused four deaths in January 2024. The cyclone left over 182,000 households without power, 171,000 without water, and impacted internet services for approximately 134,000 residents.
Garance’s destructive pass resulted in widespread infrastructure damage, including uprooted trees, blown-off roofs, and ruined streets. By March 1, Garance had weakened to a tropical storm after exiting the island, although a red alert was lifted, cautioning residents to remain vigilant due to ongoing risks from flooding and fallen power lines.
In response to the disaster, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked on the cyclone’s “rare intensity,” while Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu mentioned the readiness of armed forces to assist. Troops and firefighters are awaiting deployment from Mayotte and mainland France as conditions improve.
Tropical Cyclone Garance has profoundly affected Réunion, leading to four fatalities and extensive damage across the island. With more than 180,000 households left without essential services, the island continues to recover from the intense winds and rainfall. Local authorities remain vigilant as they coordinate relief efforts and prioritize the safety of residents amidst potential hazards.
Original Source: watchers.news
