Cyclone Garance Devastates Reunion Island, Resulting in Fatalities and Major Damage
Cyclone Garance has struck Reunion Island, claiming three lives and causing widespread damage. Winds of up to 234 km/h resulted in power outages for over 180,000 homes and left many without water. A maximum alert was issued, with residents ordered to shelter. The cyclone’s violence surpassed previous storms, prompting emergency responses and recovery preparations.
Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on Reunion Island, resulting in the unfortunate loss of three lives as strong winds reaching 234 km/h (145 mph) swept through the region. The cyclone made landfall on Friday morning, leading to widespread power outages affecting more than 180,000 homes and disrupting water supply for approximately 170,000 residents. As a precaution, authorities initiated a maximum alert level, compelling the entire population, including emergency services, to remain indoors.
Meteorological forecasts indicated that extreme rainfall might persist into Friday evening, prompting Prime Minister Francois Bayrou to underscore the ongoing threat from the cyclone. Prefect Patrice Latron described the storm’s impact as “brutal and violent,” noting that it eclipsed the devastation of Cyclone Belal, which claimed four lives on the island in January 2024. Cyclone Garance initially struck the northern area of Reunion at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) before moving southward and exiting by late afternoon, according to Meteo France.
Following the peak of the storm, local authorities downgraded the alert level by midday, allowing first responders to safely emerge from shelters. The wind speeds recorded during Garance have not been observed since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a resident from the island’s northern coast, 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 preparation for possible rescue operations, roughly 100 troops and firefighters from Mayotte, along with another 100 from mainland France, remain on standby to assist as conditions improve. Meanwhile, a 55-year-old man was reported missing in Mauritius after swimming in turbulent waters, highlighting additional concerns in the region. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Garance as having “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed the readiness of armed forces to offer support.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused significant devastation in Reunion Island, with three reported fatalities and substantial infrastructural damage including power and water supply disruptions. Authorities responded by enforcing strict safety measures, and preparations are underway for potential recovery efforts. The storm’s unprecedented intensity has prompted significant concerns among residents and officials alike, emphasizing the ongoing threats posed by extreme weather events in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
