Cyclone Garance Causes Destruction and Fatalities in La Reunion Island

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A turbulent ocean with dark storm clouds looming above, showcasing the impact of a powerful cyclone on a tropical island.
  • At least three people are confirmed dead following Cyclone Garance’s strike to La Reunion island.
  • Over 180,000 households are experiencing power outages due to the cyclone’s damage.
  • Meteo France downgraded the storm alert from purple to red as the cyclone passed.
  • Residents expressed fear as they faced this unprecedented cyclone’s destructive force.
  • Recovery efforts are underway as emergency services assess the cyclone’s impact.

Cyclone Garance Strikes La Reunion Island with Deadly Impact

Cyclone Garance has caused devastating destruction in La Reunion island, a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. With wind speeds reaching a staggering 155 miles per hour, this cyclone made landfall on the island’s north coast, unleashing chaos on Friday. Reports from the French police indicated that numerous homes were damaged, and the cyclone’s ferocity led to widespread power outages, impacting over 180,000 households across the island.

Damage Assessment Underway as Recovery Efforts Begin

As emergency services began assessing the damage, La Reunion’s prefecture reported that about 42 percent of the island’s population was left without power and nearly one in ten residents had lost access to clean drinking water. Although Meteo France indicated that the worst of the storm had passed, a mandatory shelter-in-place order remained in effect, leaving many residents anxious about further risks from heavy rainfall after the cyclone passed. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou addressed the nation via X, expressing solidarity with the affected individuals while urging them to heed local safety instructions, highlighting the continued threat posed by the cyclone’s aftermath.

Residents Share Frightening Experiences from the Cyclone

Residents recounted the frightful experience of facing such an unprecedented storm. Vincent Clain, 45, shared his overwhelming fear as he witnessed the cyclone uproot trees near his Sainte-Marie home. His family took refuge in their kitchen, which they deemed the safest spot during the ordeal. Another resident, Aline Etheve, voiced her concerns regarding structural damage and the loss of essential services like power and internet connectivity. As the situation develops, many are left to grapple with the realities of the cyclone’s impact, marking a harrowing chapter in the island’s recent history.

In summary, Cyclone Garance wreaked havoc on La Reunion island, leading to tragic fatalities and significant power outages across the territory. Emergency services are currently assessing the damage and advising residents to follow local guidelines. As the region begins recovery efforts, the community remains on edge, hoping to restore normalcy in the wake of this crisis.

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