Cyclone Garance has hit Reunion, causing heavy rains and winds over 200 kph, leading to widespread power outages, evacuations, and damage. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors while emergency services respond. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported despite the storm’s severity.
Tropical Cyclone Garance has struck Reunion, an island in the French Indian Ocean, resulting in severe weather conditions characterized by substantial rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). These extreme conditions have prompted local authorities to advise residents to remain indoors due to the heightened risk of floods and damage to infrastructure.
According to the prefecture, 683 individuals have sought immediate refuge in emergency shelters, with an additional 54 evacuated as a precaution against potential flooding or landslides. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities thus far. Nonetheless, approximately 30% of households are currently experiencing power outages, with nearly 10% of the island’s population lacking access to safe drinking water.
Damage reports indicate that strong winds have compromised many buildings, resulting in lost roofs, doors, and windows. To address these challenges, tarpaulins are being dispatched to the most affected areas, particularly in the eastern regions of the island. Although the purple cyclone warning has been lifted, a red warning remains in place as residents are cautioned to stay indoors in light of ongoing heavy rain and high winds forecasted for the day.
The national meteorological agency, Meteo France, recorded maximum wind speeds of 214 kilometers per hour at the primary airport, highlighting the cyclone’s severity. Located approximately 1,500 kilometers southeast of the French territory of Mayotte, which recently experienced significant cyclone damage, Reunion is currently on high alert, seeking to mitigate any further impact from Cyclone Garance.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Garance has significantly impacted Reunion, leading to widespread evacuations, power outages, and infrastructural damage. Local officials are taking precautions to ensure the safety of residents amid continued adverse weather conditions. Emergency services are active, illustrating a strong response to the cyclone’s challenges, particularly as safety remains a priority during this severe weather event.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
