Cyclone Garance Causes Disruption on Reunion Island, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Cyclone Garance has caused significant disruption on Reunion Island, with heavy winds and rains leading to flooding and power outages. Authorities reported that many residents have taken refuge in shelters, and sustained winds have continued to affect infrastructure. Despite the lifting of some alerts, residents are urged to stay inside as severe weather persists.
Cyclone Garance struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion on Friday, prompting officials to advise residents to remain indoors. With winds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph) and heavy rainfall, the cyclone has resulted in flooding, power outages, and structural damage across the island. Authorities reported that 683 individuals sought refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 were evacuated due to potential flooding and landslide risks, although no fatalities have been documented.
Approximately 30% of Reunion’s homes experienced power outages, and nearly 10% of its 885,000 residents were without access to potable water. The prefecture noted that powerful winds caused roofs, doors, and windows to be torn from numerous buildings, leading to a significant need for tarpaulins and temporary shelters, especially in the eastern regions of the island.
By Friday morning, the highest purple cyclone warning was lifted, allowing rescue services to begin their operations. Nonetheless, a red warning remained in effect, as authorities continued to advise residents to stay indoors due to the expectation of ongoing heavy rains and strong winds. The national weather agency Meteo France recorded wind speeds of up to 214 kilometers per hour at the island’s main airport.
Reunion Island is positioned about 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, another French territory off the coast of Africa. The region recently experienced Cyclone Chido, which wreaked havoc in December, resulting in at least 40 confirmed deaths and 41 additional individuals reported missing, heightening concerns for potential further casualties.
The plight of Reunion Island amidst Cyclone Garance highlights the impact of severe weather on vulnerable communities. With considerable infrastructure damage, loss of power, and water shortages, authorities are actively working to mitigate the effects while ensuring the safety of residents. Continued vigilance is essential as recovery efforts unfold and the island braces for ongoing meteorological impacts.
Original Source: apnews.com
