Cyclone Garance Mortally Affects Reunion Island, Resulting in Casualties and Devastation

Cyclone Garance has claimed the lives of at least four individuals on Reunion Island, causing significant damage from floods and mudslides. Hundreds of thousands are left without access to electricity and water. Rescue efforts are underway, with aid being dispatched to assist those affected. The storm is noted to be more devastating than a previous cyclone earlier this year.

Cyclone Garance has resulted in at least four fatalities on France’s Reunion Island, according to authorities. The storm, which struck early Friday, caused severe flash floods, mudslides, and electrical storms, impacting hundreds of thousands of residents and depriving them of basic utilities such as water and electricity. The devastation was noted with winds reaching up to 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour, uprooting thousands of trees in the process.

In the aftermath, officials reported that the deceased included two women and a man, who fell victim to the rising floods, mudslides, and an electrical fire ignited by the storm. The situation left over 180,000 individuals without electricity and an additional 170,000 without access to water. The international airport on the island is expected to resume operations late Saturday after a temporary shutdown due to the cyclone.

In preparation for the recovery efforts, approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid workers are being deployed from Mayotte, a French territory located nearly 1,500 kilometers away, as well as from mainland France. Troops are also on standby to assist with the recovery operations. Residents shared distressing images on social media, showing the extent of damage with uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and flooded streets.

Patrice Latron, the central government representative on Reunion Island, remarked on the extensive recovery required, noting that many roads are obstructed by fallen trees and flooding. “Roads are flooded, roads are cut off and some washed away. Bridges have come down,” he stated, emphasizing the severity of the damage. He also highlighted that Cyclone Garance was more intense than Cyclone Belal, which had similarly claimed four lives in January 2024.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has delivered a severe blow to Reunion Island, leading to multiple fatalities, extensive damage, and significant disruption of essential services. The government is mobilizing resources to address the aftermath, with aid being sent to assist the affected residents. The incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by severe weather events to vulnerable regions.

Original Source: www.france24.com