Cyclone Garance Causes Fatalities and Severe Damage in Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance has tragically resulted in three fatalities in Reunion Island, with wind gusts peaking at 234 km/h. More than 180,000 homes faced power outages while 170,000 lacked water. The local population was ordered to remain indoors under a maximum alert as heavy rain continued to threaten.

Cyclone Garance has caused devastation in Reunion, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals. The cyclone led to wind gusts reaching 234 km/h (145 mph), leaving over 180,000 homes without electricity and 170,000 without running water. The local government imposed a maximum alert level, requiring the entire population, including emergency services, to remain indoors as severe storm conditions persisted.
The Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, cautioned that the cyclone still posed a potential threat, and heavy rains were anticipated to continue through Friday evening. Prefect Patrice Latron noted that the severity of Cyclone Garance surpassed that of Cyclone Belal, which previously claimed four lives in January 2024. Cyclone Garance made landfall in northern Reunion at 10:00 local time before progressing south and exiting the island by late afternoon.
Local authorities downgraded the alert level by midday, enabling emergency services to leave their shelters. The magnitude of wind speed experienced was unprecedented since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a resident, remarked on the unprecedented intensity of the cyclone, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.”
In light of the cyclone, approximately 100 troops and firefighters were poised to assist from Mayotte, located nearly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, along with another 100 personnel from mainland France. Additionally, a 55-year-old man in nearby Mauritius has been reported missing after entering the rough seas. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Cyclone Garance as possessing a “rare intensity,” with Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirming that armed forces are prepared to render aid as necessary.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has wrought significant destruction across Reunion Island, leading to tragic fatalities and extensive power and water outages. The authorities implemented strict safety measures to protect the population, while preparations for a robust emergency response remain in place. The situation continues to be closely monitored as the island copes with the aftermath of this severe weather event.

Original Source: www.bbc.com