Cyclone Garance Causes Destruction on La Reunion Island with Fatalities

Cyclone Garance has impacted La Reunion island, leading to three fatalities and extensive property damage. Over 180,000 households are without power, and many lack access to clean water. Residents have expressed their fears regarding the cyclone’s strength, while local authorities continue to manage the situation and encourage safety measures as conditions improve.

Cyclone Garance has struck the French overseas territory of La Reunion, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals, as reported by French police. The cyclone, which made landfall on Friday, unleashed wind speeds of up to 155 mph, causing extensive property damage, including blown-off roofs, and leaving many without access to electricity and clean drinking water.

As authorities report, over 180,000 households, which account for approximately 42 percent of the local electricity utility’s customers, experienced power outages. Furthermore, nearly 10 percent of residents are currently without drinking water following the cyclone’s devastation, which also shut down La Reunion’s international airport, with plans to reopen on Saturday.

Residents expressed their fear of the cyclone’s immense power. Vincent Clain, a 45-year-old resident of Sainte-Marie, stated, “This is the first time I have seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I have been afraid.” Meanwhile, Aline Etheve from Sainte-Suzanne expressed concern for her roof’s stability after severe damage to her garden caused by the storm.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has urged the island’s residents to heed local authorities’ guidance amidst ongoing hazardous conditions. While Meteo France indicated that the worst of Cyclone Garance has passed, the storm remains a threat as heavy rains are expected to persist until weather conditions improve on Saturday.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused significant destruction on La Reunion island, resulting in three fatalities and widespread damage. The cyclone has left hundreds of thousands without power and clean water, sparking fear among residents. Authorities continue to assess the situation while urging caution. As the weather conditions are anticipated to improve, recovery efforts will likely progress.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com