Cyclone Garance has caused at least four fatalities on Reunion Island, triggering severe floods and mudslides. The storm, with winds reaching 230 kilometers per hour, has left over 180,000 residents without electricity and 170,000 without water. Recovery efforts are underway as authorities assess the damage and deploy aid workers.
Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of at least four individuals on France’s Reunion Island, as confirmed by local authorities on Saturday. The cyclone struck the island early on Friday, causing severe flash floods, mudslides, and electrical storms, which left hundreds of thousands without access to essential services such as water and electricity.
Authorities reported that a man’s body was discovered beneath one of the many trees uprooted by violent winds exceeding 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour. Additionally, two women and another man were reported dead, either washed away by floodwaters, caught in mudslides, or electrocuted by fires ignited by the storm’s impact.
The destructive force of the cyclone has left over 180,000 people without power and more than 170,000 without water sources. The island’s international airport is scheduled to resume operations on Saturday, while Mauritius temporarily closed its primary airport earlier in the week due to the storm’s threat.
In response to the devastating aftermath, the government is dispatching approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid workers from Mayotte and mainland France, with military forces on standby. Residents of the island shared images online showcasing uprooted vegetation, damaged roofs, and submerged homes, highlighting the extent of the damage.
Patrice Latron, the representative of the central government on the island, noted the extensive work needed to restore normalcy due to multiple roads blocked or washed away by the cyclone. He emphasized that Garance was even more intense than cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities in January 2024.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on Reunion Island, leading to four confirmed fatalities and widespread damage. The storm resulted in significant disruptions to the island’s infrastructure, leaving many residents without electricity and water. Recovery efforts have begun, with aid being mobilized to assist affected individuals and restore services. The cyclone’s impact demonstrates the critical need for preparedness and effective response strategies in facing such natural disasters.
Original Source: www.france24.com
