Tropical Cyclone Garance struck Réunion on February 28, 2025, resulting in four fatalities and over 180,000 households without power, water, and internet access. The cyclone reached hurricane strength with winds up to 155 km/h, provoking widespread destruction. Local authorities report ongoing hazards even as conditions improve and recovery efforts commence.
Tropical Cyclone Garance struck the northern coast of Réunion at 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC) on February 28, 2025, generating severe winds and heavy rainfall that inflicted substantial damage. The cyclone led to at least four fatalities and left many residents without electricity, water, and internet access.
As a strong tropical cyclone, Garance was comparable to a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph). Meteo-France recorded gusts of 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, the highest recorded at the site since Cyclone Jenny in 1962.
In some regions, even greater wind speeds were experienced, peaking at 234 km/h (145 mph), matching the gusts recorded at Sainte-Rose during the 1994 Cyclone Hollanda. It is important to note that Cyclone Dina in 2002 registered even higher gusts, surpassing 279 km/h.
The storm prompted local authorities to describe the conditions as “brutal and violent,” even more severe than those encountered during Cyclone Belal in January 2024. Garance left over 182,000 households without power, 171,000 without water, and 134,000 lacking internet.
The cyclone caused extensive infrastructural damage, uprooted trees, and demolished roofs, with an estimated 30% of the island losing power and 10% experiencing water shortages at its peak. As of March 1, four deaths were officially reported, an increase from earlier reports indicating three fatalities.
Following the storm’s passage, Garance weakened to a strong tropical storm, exiting the island by late Friday afternoon. While the Red alert was eventually lifted, officials advised residents to exercise caution due to ongoing hazards such as downed power lines and flooding.
Although conditions improved in the northern regions, the southern part of the island remained challenged by the aftermath of the cyclone. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized that Garance demonstrated a “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the preparedness of armed forces to provide assistance.
Approximately 100 troops and firefighters are prepared for deployment from the French territory of Mayotte, about 1,500 km (930 miles) away, along with another 100 personnel from mainland France once conditions allow for safe mobilization.
Tropical Cyclone Garance caused significant damage to Réunion, resulting in four fatalities and extensive disruptions to essential services. The storm’s intensity was comparable to a Category 3 hurricane, leading to widespread power, water, and internet outages. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage while ensuring that support services are mobilized to assist affected areas. With a diligent recovery effort underway, the island is urged to remain cautious in the aftermath of this devastating event.
Original Source: watchers.news
