Cyclone Garance has resulted in three deaths and extensive damage in Reunion Island, with wind gusts of up to 234 km/h causing widespread power outages and water supply disruptions. Emergency services were activated, and residents were instructed to remain indoors amid the storm’s violent conditions. Troops and firefighters are on standby to assist in the aftermath as the storm has been described as of rare intensity.
Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of three individuals in Reunion Island as it struck the French Indian Ocean territory. With peak gusts reaching 234 kilometers per hour (145 miles per hour), the cyclone caused widespread devastation, leaving over 180,000 households without electricity and 170,000 without access to running water after making landfall early Friday morning. The local government enforced a maximum alert level, directing the entire population, including essential emergency services, to remain indoors.
As the cyclone progressed, heavy rainfall persisted throughout the day, prompting Prime Minister Francois Bayrou to warn citizens via social media that the storm remains a potential threat. Prefect Patrice Latron described the storm’s conditions as “brutal and violent,” characterizing them as worse than those during Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities earlier this year. Cyclone Garance made landfall in northern Reunion at 10:00 AM local time (06:00 GMT) and continued its trajectory southward, exiting the island by late afternoon.
By midday, local authorities downgraded the alert level to allow emergency personnel to resume their duties. The wind speeds observed during Garance had not been recorded on the island since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. A resident, Vincent Clain, noted, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” reflecting the intense fear experienced by the community.
Moreover, approximately 100 troops and firefighters from the French territory of Mayotte and another 100 from mainland France are on standby to assist when conditions allow. In neighboring Mauritius, a 55-year-old man was reported missing after swimming in treacherous waters prior to the cyclone. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked that Cyclone Garance exhibited a “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that armed forces were prepared to offer necessary support.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has had a devastating impact on Reunion Island, resulting in three fatalities and significant infrastructure damage as thousands are left without power and water. The severity of the storm prompted emergency measures and precautions for residents, showcasing the cyclone’s unusual intensity and strength. The response from local and national authorities highlights the ongoing efforts to address the crisis and support affected individuals.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
