Cyclone Garance has claimed three lives in Reunion Island, with wind gusts reaching 234 km/h. The storm left over 180,000 homes without power and 170,000 without water. Emergency services were ordered to stay indoors, and local authorities issued alerts as heavy rain continued into Friday evening, with additional military support on standby.
Cyclone Garance has caused significant devastation in Reunion Island, resulting in three fatalities and widespread damage. Reports indicate that wind gusts reached up to 234 km/h (145 mph), leaving over 180,000 households without power and approximately 170,000 without running water following the cyclone’s landfall on Friday morning. As a precautionary measure, a maximum alert was issued, mandating all residents, including emergency personnel, to remain indoors while severe weather conditions persisted.
As the cyclone moved from north to south across the island, French authorities imposed heightened warnings. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou cautioned that Cyclone Garance continued to pose a risk as heavy rains were anticipated to last into the evening. Prefect Patrice Latron noted that the cyclone’s ferocity surpassed that of Cyclone Belal, which caused four fatalities in January 2024.
The landfall occurred at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT), with the cyclone exiting the island by late afternoon. Authorities downgraded the alert level by midday, allowing emergency responders to safely operate in the aftermath. Director of Meteo France indicated that the last time wind speeds of 234 km/h were recorded on the island was during Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994.
Local resident Vincent Clain, 45, remarked, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.” In response to the disaster, approximately 100 troops and firefighters are on standby from Mayotte and mainland France to assist when conditions improve. Additionally, a man is reported missing in Mauritius after swimming in hazardous waters before the cyclone’s arrival.
In conclusion, Cyclone Garance has left a trail of destruction in Reunion, claiming three lives and causing extensive infrastructural damage. The storm’s intensity raised significant concerns, prompting government officials to urge caution among residents. Fortunately, emergency services are preparing to respond as the situation stabilizes, and additional support is being mobilized from nearby territories and mainland France.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
