Cyclone Garance Devastates Réunion Island, Causing Fatalities and Disruptions

Cyclone Garance struck Réunion Island, resulting in four deaths and leaving over 490,000 residents without power or water. The cyclone, noted as the strongest since 1989, made landfall on February 28. The French government is providing aid, with 200 firefighters dispatched for recovery efforts amid widespread flooding and sheltering of displaced individuals.

Cyclone Garance has devastated Réunion Island, resulting in at least four fatalities and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity or water. The cyclone struck late last week, making landfall on February 28, and winds reached speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour, reaching 214 km/h at the island’s main airport. The storm has been identified as the most severe to impact the island since Tropical Cyclone Firinga in January 1989.

As a consequence of the cyclone, over 180,000 locals have lost electricity while approximately 310,000 residents are without water. With the severe flooding prompting evacuations, nearly 1,000 individuals have sought refuge in temporary shelters. Vincent Clain, a local resident, expressed his fear, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.”

The French government has mobilized 200 firefighters and aid workers from mainland France and the territory of Mayotte to assist in recovery efforts. Tarpaulins have been dispatched to the eastern region of the island to provide temporary shelter for those affected. The situation follows the devastation inflicted by Cyclone Chido on Mayotte in December, which resulted in significant casualties and damage.

Patrice Latron, Réunion’s central government representative, emphasized the urgent need to clear roads obstructed by fallen trees due to the cyclone. In addition to Réunion, airports in Mauritius have been closed as a safety measure against the storm. Concurrently, six tropical cyclones were active in the Southern Hemisphere, creating an unusual weather phenomenon. Lauren Herdman of MetDesk noted the rarity of so many named storms existing simultaneously within a single ocean basin.

Cyclone Garance has caused significant damage to Réunion Island, claiming lives and disrupting essential services such as electricity and water supply. Rescue operations are underway, supported by the French government, which has mobilized resources to assist those affected. As the region grapples with multiple cyclones, local authorities continue to work towards recovery and restoration, underscoring the challenges posed by severe weather events.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com