Cyclone Garance has severely impacted Réunion Island, claiming at least four lives and leaving hundreds of thousands without water or power. Wind speeds exceeded 200 km/h, leading to widespread destruction and the need for emergency shelters. The French government is responding with aid and relief efforts as the island begins to recover from this unprecedented storm.
Cyclone Garance recently struck Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean, leading to extensive flooding and significant damage. This devastating storm made landfall on February 28, 2023, causing at least four fatalities due to flash floods, mudslides, and wind-related incidents. Wind speeds reached over 200 kilometers per hour, with gusts recorded at 214 km/h at the main airport.
The cyclone has left more than 180,000 residents without electricity and nearly 310,000 without access to clean water. Approximately 1,000 individuals have sought refuge in temporary shelters due to the widespread destruction. Local resident Vincent Clain expressed his fear, noting, “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, the French government dispatched approximately 200 firefighters and aid workers from mainland France and Mayotte. Tarpaulins were provided to assist those in the hardest-hit regions. Additionally, Réunion’s government representative, Patrice Latron, emphasized the urgent need to clear roadways obstructed by fallen trees following the cyclone’s passage.
Cyclone Garance was one of six tropical cyclones active in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time, highlighting rare cyclone activity in the region. Other cyclones included Severe Tropical Storm Honde and Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred. According to meteorologist Lauren Herdman, concurrent storms of this nature are infrequent but not unprecedented.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has profoundly impacted Réunion Island, resulting in fatalities, significant property damage, and widespread disruption of utilities. The local and French governments are mobilizing to provide immediate relief and restore order. This event underscores the vulnerability of island territories to severe weather phenomena, prompting calls for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
