Cyclone Garance has resulted in at least four fatalities on Reunion Island, leading to flash floods and mudslides that disrupted water and electricity services for hundreds of thousands. Authorities are deploying firefighters and aid workers, while the local government acknowledges extensive damage to infrastructure.
Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of at least four individuals on France’s Reunion Island, as reported by authorities on Saturday. The cyclone struck the island early on Friday, leading to severe flash floods, destructive mudslides, and electrical storms, which left hundreds of thousands without access to essential services such as water and electricity.
As conditions worsened, a man was discovered trapped beneath a tree downed by winds reaching up to 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour. Additional casualties included two women and another man, who were either swept away by flooding, caught in mudslides, or perished in an electrical fire ignited by the storm’s effects.
The cyclone has disrupted the lives of over 180,000 residents, cutting off power, while more than 170,000 individuals have been left without water. The international airport in the region is expected to reopen late Saturday. In adjacent Mauritius, officials closed the main airport two days prior, while Reunion ceased all flights on Thursday.
In response to the devastation, approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid personnel are being dispatched from Mayotte, a French territory located nearly 1,500 kilometers away, along with troops on standby to assist in recovery efforts. Residents have shared images online depicting the destruction, including uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and inundated homes.
Patrice Latron, the central government representative on Reunion Island, remarked that extensive recovery work is necessary, with many roads obstructed by fallen trees. “Roads are flooded, roads are cut off and some washed away. Bridges have come down,” he stated. He further noted that Garance’s intensity surpassed that of cyclone Belal, which also resulted in four fatalities earlier in January 2024.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused significant tragedy on Reunion Island, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread destruction. Restoration efforts are underway, as emergency services mobilize to assist affected residents. The storm’s intensity highlights the severe impact of such natural disasters, necessitating a robust response and recovery strategy.
Original Source: www.france24.com
