Tropical Cyclone Garance made landfall on Réunion on February 28, 2025, causing severe damage, resulting in four fatalities, and leaving over 180,000 residents without power, water, and internet access. The cyclone’s winds reached between 155 km/h to over 200 km/h, with gusts peaking at 234 km/h. Assistance from military personnel has been organized, although the region continues to face recovery challenges.
On February 28, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Garance struck Réunion’s northern coast at 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC), bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone resulted in at least four fatalities and left over 180,000 residents without access to power, water, and internet services. Garance made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph).
Meteorological reports indicated wind gusts recorded at Gillot Airport were as high as 214 km/h (133 mph), marking the most severe winds at the airport since Cyclone Jenny in 1962. Some regions experienced even more intense conditions, with gusts reaching 234 km/h (145 mph) at Sainte-Rose, closely matched by Cyclone Hollanda’s measurements from February 1994. Cyclone Dina in 2002, however, surpassed these records with gusts exceeding 279 km/h.
Police and local authorities have confirmed a total of four deaths from this cyclone, specifically noting the catastrophic impact that Garance had on the island compared to the earlier Cyclone Belal, which resulted in similar fatalities in January 2024, as reported by Prefect Patrice Latron. Garance’s destructive effects left approximately 182,000 households without electricity and significant water access problems, impacting around 171,000 people.
The damage included roofs torn away, trees uprooted, and streets significantly impaired; at one point, 30% of the island lost power and 10% lacked water access. By March 1, Garance’s intensity had lessened to a strong tropical storm as it exited the southwest by late afternoon. Following this, local authorities lifted their red alert status but advised residents to remain cautious of hazards such as downed power lines and flooding.
Despite moderate improvements, the northern regions are coping better while the southern areas continue to face challenges. Francia’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the cyclone as being of “rare intensity,” and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu noted that military personnel were prepared to assist. A contingent of approximately 100 personnel and firefighters is poised for deployment from Mayotte, roughly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, alongside another 100 stationed in mainland France.
Tropical Cyclone Garance brought unprecedented destruction to Réunion, resulting in four fatalities and leaving over 180,000 residents without essential services. The cyclone’s intensity matched severe historical events, prompting authorities to prepare emergency responses and assistance for affected communities. Recovery efforts continue as residents navigate the aftermath of this devastating storm, which has showcased the need for preparedness amidst such natural disasters.
Original Source: watchers.news
