Cyclone Garance has struck Reunion, resulting in three deaths, widespread power outages, and water supply issues. The cyclone, described as exceptionally powerful, has led to maximum alert levels and emergency measures. Recovery efforts are being organized with local and national assistance as the island grapples with the aftermath of the storm.
Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of three individuals in Reunion, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, as it unleashed winds reaching 234 km/h (145 mph). The cyclone made landfall on Friday morning, resulting in over 180,000 homes losing power and approximately 170,000 households being deprived of running water. Residents, including emergency services and law enforcement, were mandated to remain indoors due to the imposition of a maximum alert level, indicating the severity of the situation.
Following the cyclone’s passage, heavy rainfall persisted throughout Friday evening, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou cautioning that the cyclone’s threats were still present. Prefect Patrice Latron described the storm conditions as “brutal and violent,” surpassing those of Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities in January 2024. Cyclone Garance struck in the north of Reunion at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) before moving southward and exiting the island by late afternoon.
By midday, local authorities downgraded the alert level, enabling emergency personnel to safely resume their duties. The recorded wind speed of 234 km/h was the highest observed since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a 45-year-old resident from the northern coast, remarked, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” expressing the fear and unprecedented intensity experienced by the local populace.
In preparation for the aftermath, approximately 100 troops and firefighters were on standby to be dispatched from Mayotte, situated nearly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, alongside an additional 100 from mainland France. Furthermore, concerns grew for a 55-year-old man who went missing in nearby Mauritius after swimming in tumultuous waters. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described Cyclone Garance as possessing a “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that armed forces are ready to assist in recovery efforts.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has had a devastating impact on Reunion, resulting in three fatalities, extensive power outages, and water supply disruptions. The cyclone’s unprecedented intensity prompted severe warnings and emergency measures across the island. With local and national authorities mobilizing resources and personnel for recovery efforts, the affected communities continue to face significant challenges in the wake of the storm.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
