Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Cyclone Garance has struck Reunion Island, leading to heavy rain and winds over 200 km/h. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors as emergency shelters were utilized. Damage has included power outages and threats of flooding, with officials beginning rescue operations as conditions remain hazardous.
On Friday, the tropical Cyclone Garance struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, prompting local authorities to advise residents to remain indoors. The cyclone has resulted in heavy rainfall and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), causing widespread flooding, power outages, and structural damage. According to reports, approximately 683 individuals sought refuge in emergency shelters, while another 54 were evacuated due to flood and landslide risks, fortunately without any fatalities reported.
The Reunion prefecture indicated that about 30% of the island’s homes were left without power, and nearly 10% of the 885,000 residents lacked access to potable water. The storm’s intensity led to severe damage, with roofs, doors, and windows being torn from many buildings. In response to the devastation, tarpaulins are being distributed to areas most affected by the cyclone, particularly in the eastern region of the island.
As of Friday morning, authorities lifted the purple cyclone warning, the highest alert level, enabling rescue operations to commence. However, a red warning remained in effect, urging residents to stay indoors as adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and strong winds, were anticipated to continue throughout the day. The national meteorological agency, Meteo France, recorded winds of up to 214 kilometers per hour at the island’s principal airport.
Reunion Island is situated approximately 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, a French territory that experienced extensive damage from Cyclone Chido in December, which resulted in 40 confirmed fatalities and 41 individuals still reported missing. As the island grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Garance, officials remain on high alert for further developments.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has severely impacted Reunion Island, resulting in significant damage, power outages, and evacuation measures. Local authorities have urged residents to remain indoors to ensure their safety while rescue operations begin. Although conditions may improve with the lifting of the highest alert level, vigilance remains crucial given the continuing adverse weather and recent history of cyclones in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
