Cyclone Garance has resulted in at least four fatalities on Reunion Island, causing severe flash flooding and damage. The cyclone left over 180,000 people without electricity and over 170,000 without water. Recovery efforts are underway, with firefighters and aid workers being dispatched to assist residents affected by the storm’s devastating impact.
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 early Friday, resulting in severe flash floods, mudslides, and electrical storms, leaving hundreds of thousands without access to vital resources such as water and electricity. The death toll was confirmed by officials, noting that the body of a man was found trapped under uprooted trees due to winds reaching 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour.
Beyond the deceased man, the other victims included two women and another man who lost their lives due to flash floods, were caught in a mudslide, or perished from an electrical fire ignited by the storm. As a result of the cyclone’s devastation, more than 180,000 residents experienced power outages, and over 170,000 faced water supply disruptions. The local airport is expected to resume operations late Saturday after being shut down for safety reasons.
In response to the disaster, approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid personnel are being dispatched from Mayotte, a French territory located nearly 1,500 kilometers away, alongside troops on standby. Residents have shared distressing images online, depicting uprooted trees, destroyed roofs, and inundated homes. Entire neighborhoods have been severely affected, with vehicles swept away by the rising waters.
Patrice Latron, the French government’s representative on the island, emphasized the extensive damage, stating, “A lot of work” lies ahead, as many roads are obstructed by fallen trees. He described the situation, noting, “Roads are flooded, roads are cut off, and some have washed away. Bridges have come down.” Cyclone Garance has been reported as more destructive than Cyclone Belal, which also resulted in four deaths in January 2024.
The catastrophic impact of Cyclone Garance highlights the vulnerabilities of Reunion Island to extreme weather. The storm has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, leaving thousands without essential services. As recovery efforts commence, local officials are mobilizing resources to address the extensive damage incurred, emphasizing the need for urgent action to restore normalcy.
Original Source: www.france24.com
