Cyclone Garance Claims Lives and Causes Disruption in La Reunion

• Cyclone Garance has claimed three lives in La Reunion.
• Over 180,000 households experience power outages following the cyclone.
• Residents describe the cyclone’s intensity as frightening and unprecedented.

Cyclone Garance Causes Destruction on La Reunion Island

A devastating incident has unfolded as Cyclone Garance slammed into La Reunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. The cyclonic winds reached staggering speeds of up to 155 miles per hour, leading to significant destruction across the island. Unfortunately, the toll of this natural disaster already stands at three lives lost, according to local authorities, highlighting the cyclone’s severe impact on the residential communities.

Power Outages and Service Disruptions Reported

With more than 180,000 households left without power, around 42 percent of the island’s electricity utility customers are grappling with outages. In addition, nearly 10 percent have reported a lack of access to drinking water as the cyclone disrupted essential services. Meteo France indicated that Cyclone Garance made landfall on Friday in the island’s northern region, causing roofs to be blown off and extensive damage to infrastructure as it tore through various neighborhoods.

Victims Share Harrowing Experiences Amid Cyclone

Residents have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences amid the storm’s fury. Vincent Clain, a local who resides on Sainte-Marie’s northern coast, expressed that this was the first cyclone he had ever encountered with such frightening magnitude. Concern for safety dominated his sentiments, as he and his family sought refuge in the kitchen, which they deemed the safest area of their home. Similarly, Aline Etheve from Sainte-Suzanne also recounted her fears regarding potential roof collapse, now that her garden fence has been destroyed and both power and Wi-Fi access are absent.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on La Reunion, leading to three fatalities and tens of thousands without power or clean drinking water. The storm’s intensity has been described as unprecedented by residents, raising serious concerns for safety. As recovery efforts begin, it is crucial for residents to heed local authorities’ guidance to ensure safety until the situation stabilizes.