Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on Réunion Island, leading to four deaths, mass power outages, and widespread flooding. Emergency response teams have been deployed to assist affected residents. Concurrently, other tropical storms are active in the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting the unusual storm patterns this season.
Cyclone Garance has severely affected Réunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, resulting in at least four fatalities and widespread destruction. The cyclone made landfall on February 28, bringing extreme winds that reached up to 214 kilometers per hour (133 mph) and causing significant flooding, mudslides, and accidents. Reports indicate that more than 180,000 residents lost electricity, while over 310,000 were left without access to water, prompting nearly 1,000 individuals to seek temporary shelter.
In response to the crisis, the French government deployed 200 firefighters and aid workers from mainland France and its territory of Mayotte to assist local authorities. Tarpaulins have been sent to the eastern region of the island as makeshift shelters to accommodate those most severely affected. Residents expressed their fear and astonishment regarding the cyclone’s intensity, with one individual, Vincent Clain, stating he had never experienced such a powerful storm before.
The repercussions of the cyclone are exacerbated by the concurrent activity of six tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere. The central government representative, Patrice Latron, indicated that considerable efforts are required to clear the roads obstructed by fallen trees. In the wake of Garance, both Réunion and Mauritius were compelled to suspend airport operations due to hazardous conditions.
In prior months, the neighboring island of Mayotte was struck by Cyclone Chido, which had devastating effects, claiming at least 40 lives. While storms like Garance are rare, the prevalence of multiple named storms active simultaneously in the same ocean basin is even less common, as noted by meteorologist Lauren Herdman. The effects of such natural disasters underline the necessity for effective disaster response strategies and enhanced community resilience.
The impact of Cyclone Garance on Réunion Island has been profound, with tragic loss of life and extensive infrastructural damage. As communities begin to recover, the ongoing efforts by local and national authorities highlight the importance of preparedness and response during natural disasters. The simultaneous activity of multiple cyclones this season raises concerns regarding climate patterns and the need for vigilant monitoring.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
