Cyclone Garance has caused three deaths and left over 180,000 homes without power in Reunion Island. The cyclone brought wind speeds of 234km/h, resulting in a maximum alert level. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Prefect Patrice Latron underscored the cyclone’s intensity, describing it as remarkably brutal.
Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of three individuals as it traversed the French territory of Reunion Island with wind gusts reaching 234km/h (145mph). The cyclone led to power outages affecting more than 180,000 households and left 170,000 residents without access to running water. Following its landfall on Friday morning, local authorities implemented a maximum alert level, instructing the entire population, including first responders, to remain indoors.
As heavy rainfall was projected to persist, Reunion’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou cautioned that the cyclone still posed a significant threat. According to Prefect Patrice Latron, the conditions were described as “brutal and violent,” surpassing those of the previous Cyclone Belal which resulted in four fatalities in January 2024. Cyclone Garance impacted the northern region of Reunion before moving south and finally exiting the island later that afternoon, as reported by Meteo France.
Emergency services and local police were allowed to leave their shelters after the alert level was downgraded by midday. The wind speeds observed during Garance had not been experienced on the island since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a resident of the northern coast, expressed his fear: “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.”
In anticipation of further assistance needs, approximately 100 soldiers and firefighters are on standby to be deployed from the French territory of Mayotte, nearly 1,500km (930 miles) away, along with an additional 100 troops from mainland France. Additionally, a 55-year-old male went missing in nearby Mauritius after encountering dangerous swimming conditions amidst the cyclone’s wrath. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Cyclone Garance as being of “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that armed forces are prepared to support recovery efforts.
In summary, Cyclone Garance’s impact on Reunion Island has been devastating, resulting in three fatalities, significant property loss, and widespread disruption of utilities. The island’s government responded with a total lockdown, prioritizing safety. As conditions improve, support from the French military is anticipated to aid in recovery efforts. The cyclone’s severe intensity has prompted national concern and underscores the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
