Tropical Cyclone Garance struck Reunion island, causing heavy rain and winds over 200 km/h. Residents are urged to stay indoors due to flooding risks. Approximately 30% of homes are without power, and emergency shelters have been established for those affected. No fatalities have been reported despite the extensive damage and disruption.
On Friday, Tropical Cyclone Garance struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain indoors. The cyclone’s powerful winds were reported to exceed 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), which resulted in significant precipitation, flooding, power outages, and structural damage across the island. The prefecture noted that 683 individuals sought refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 were evacuated due to concerns regarding potential flooding or landslides. Thankfully, no fatalities have yet been recorded.
Approximately 30% of residences experienced power outages, and nearly 10% of the island’s 885,000 inhabitants were without access to potable water. Notably, strong winds caused damage by tearing off roofs and displacing doors and windows from numerous buildings. In response, tarpaulins were dispatched to the areas most severely affected to offer temporary shelter.
The highest level of cyclone warning, the purple alert, was lifted early on Friday, allowing rescue operations to commence. However, the island was still under red warning status, and residents were urged to remain indoors due to the continuing threat of heavy rains and strong winds throughout the day. Additionally, the national weather agency, Meteo France, recorded wind speeds of up to 214 kilometers per hour at the main airport on the island.
Reunion island is situated roughly 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, a French territory that experienced devastation from Cyclone Chido in December, resulting in 40 confirmed deaths and 41 individuals reported missing, presumed buried. Local authorities express concern that more casualties may have occurred due to that cyclone’s impact.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has significantly impacted Reunion island, leading to widespread power outages, property damage, and necessary evacuations. Emergency shelters have been established, although no fatalities have been reported. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain indoors as adverse weather conditions persist. The situation on Reunion island serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with tropical cyclones, especially following the recent devastation from Cyclone Chido in nearby Mayotte.
Original Source: apnews.com
