Cyclone Garance Causes Devastation in La Reunion, Resulting in Three Deaths
Cyclone Garance has left three people dead in La Reunion, causing extensive damage with wind speeds of 155 m/h. Over 180,000 households are without power, and a mandatory stay-at-home order remains. Residents express their fear of the cyclone’s unprecedented strength, while rescue efforts are underway following the downgrade of storm alerts.
Cyclone Garance has caused severe devastation in La Reunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, resulting in at least three fatalities. With wind speeds reaching 155 m/h (96 mph), the cyclone made landfall in the north of the island, displacing roofs and disrupting access to essential services such as electricity and drinking water for many residents. As a consequence, more than 180,000 households are experiencing power outages, accounting for approximately 42 percent of the island’s electricity customers.
The storm began impacting the island on Friday, and it later moved southwest as noted by Meteo France, which indicated that the worst of the cyclone had passed. The alert level was downgraded from the highest, purple warning to red, which permitted rescue teams to begin damage assessments and provide assistance to affected individuals while maintaining a mandatory indoor stay order in place due to continued heavy rains.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou emphasized the ongoing threats posed by the cyclone through a public statement on social media, urging residents to heed local authority instructions. He expressed his condolences to those impacted by this natural disaster, recognizing the significant challenges faced by families and communities across the island.
Residents of La Reunion have expressed overwhelming fear from the cyclone’s strength. Vincent Clain, a local resident, remarked, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” describing his harrowing experience of sheltering with his family in a secure area of their home amid the storm’s fury. Similarly, Aline Etheve shared her concerns about her home and the loss of power and internet services, illustrating the widespread anxiety among those affected.
Cyclone Garance’s impact on La Reunion has been catastrophic, resulting in loss of life, extensive property damage, and widespread power outages. As authorities work to assess and address the damage, the resilience of the residents will be crucial in navigating the aftermath of this natural disaster. Continued vigilance and cooperation with local authorities remain essential as the island recovers from this devastating event.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
