Cyclone Garance Causes Fatalities and Destruction in Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance caused three deaths and widespread destruction in Reunion, impacting 180,000 homes with power outages and 170,000 without water. The cyclone, with winds up to 234 km/h, forced residents indoors and prompted alerts from local authorities. Troops stand ready to assist as conditions improve, while a missing person case has emerged in nearby Mauritius.

Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of three individuals in Reunion as it struck the French Indian Ocean territory with winds reaching 234 km/h (145 mph). The cyclone’s impact left over 180,000 residences without electricity and 170,000 without access to potable water after it made landfall on Friday morning. In response to the severe conditions, the local government mandated that all residents, including emergency personnel, remain indoors under a maximum alert level.

Heavy rainfall was anticipated to persist throughout Friday evening, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou warning that the cyclone continued to pose a significant hazard. Prefect Patrice Latron indicated that the conditions were “brutal and violent,” exceeding the severity of Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities on the island in January 2024. Cyclone Garance initially made landfall in Reunion’s northern region at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) before tracking south and exiting the island later that day.

By midday, local authorities lowered the alert level to enable emergency services to safely emerge from their shelters. The top wind speed of 234 km/h had not been recorded on the island since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a Northern Coast resident, stated, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” reflecting the unprecedented nature of the storm’s ferocity.

Approximately 100 military personnel and firefighters were prepared to deploy from the French territory of Mayotte, situated nearly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, as well as an additional 100 from mainland France, to assist as soon as conditions improved. Meanwhile, a 55-year-old man was reported missing in neighboring Mauritius after encountering treacherous swimming conditions. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Cyclone Garance as exhibiting a “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that armed forces stand ready to offer support.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused significant devastation in Reunion, leading to three fatalities, widespread power outages, and water supply disruptions. The storm underscored its dangerous intensity, surpassing previous cyclones, necessitating the imposition of strict safety protocols. The readiness of military and emergency personnel highlights the government’s commitment to public safety in the aftermath of this natural disaster.

Original Source: www.bbc.com