Tropical Cyclone Garance Causes Fatalities and Widespread…

Tropical Cyclone Garance hit Réunion on February 28, 2025, causing at least four fatalities and leaving over 180,000 residents without power, water, and internet. With wind gusts reaching up to 234 km/h (145 mph), the storm caused significant damage, prompting officials to remain alert as recovery efforts begin.

On February 28, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Garance struck the northern coast of Réunion at 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC), bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The storm tragically resulted in at least four fatalities and left over 180,000 residents without essential services such as power, water, and internet access.

Garance was classified as a Category 3 hurricane at landfall, delivering sustained winds of 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph). The maximum recorded gusts reached 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, the highest observation since Cyclone Jenny in 1962. Some areas, such as Sainte-Rose, witnessed wind gusts peaking at 234 km/h (145 mph).

The storm’s destructive force was noted to be more intense than that of Cyclone Belal, which claimed four lives in January 2024, according to Prefect Patrice Latron. The cyclone caused substantial damage, leaving 182,000 households without electricity, 171,000 without water, and 134,000 without internet access.

Many trees were uprooted, roofs were torn off buildings, and significant infrastructure damage occurred, with some regions experiencing up to a 30% power loss and 10% loss of water access. By March 1, the storm had dissipated into a strong tropical storm.

Although the red alert was lifted as of March 1, local authorities cautioned residents to remain vigilant due to ongoing hazards such as fallen power lines and flooding. Conditions in the northern region were reportedly improving, while challenges persisted in the south.

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked on the storm’s rare intensity, and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu indicated that military forces were positioned to assist in recovery efforts. Approximately 100 troops and firefighters from Mayotte, along with another 100 from mainland France, are ready to deploy once conditions become safe.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Garance has caused significant devastation in Réunion, resulting in fatalities and extensive disruption to essential services. With recovery efforts underway and military support on standby, local authorities continue to assess the situation and warn residents to exercise caution. The cyclone serves as a reminder of the potential impact of severe weather events in vulnerable regions.

Original Source: watchers.news