Cyclone Garance has led to the deaths of three individuals on Reunion Island, causing extensive damage with wind speeds reaching 234 km/h. Over 180,000 homes lost power, while 170,000 experienced water supply disruptions. The government issued maximum alerts, and preparations for assistance are underway as the island assesses damages post-cyclone.
Cyclone Garance has claimed the lives of three individuals as it surged through Reunion Island, reaching wind speeds of up to 234 km/h (145 mph). Following the cyclone’s landfall on Friday morning, over 180,000 residences lost electrical power, while 170,000 faced disruption to their water supply. The island’s population, along with emergency services, was instructed to remain indoors under a maximum alert status.
Intense rainfall persisted throughout Friday evening, leading Prime Minister Francois Bayrou to issue warnings via X regarding the cyclone’s ongoing threat. The conditions, described as “brutal and violent,” have been stated to surpass those experienced during Cyclone Belal in January 2024, which resulted in four fatalities. Cyclone Garance made landfall in the northern region at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) before progressing southward and exiting by late afternoon, as reported by Meteo France.
By midday, local authorities lowered the alert level to facilitate the deployment of emergency services and police. The recent peak wind speed of 234 km/h has not been recorded on the island since the occurrence of Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a resident, conveyed his distress, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.”
Approximately 100 troops and firefighters are prepared for dispatch from Mayotte, nearly 1500 km (930 miles) away, along with an additional 100 personnel from mainland France when conditions allow. Concurrently, a 55-year-old man has gone missing in Mauritius after swimming in turbulent waters. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Cyclone Garance as possessing a “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu assured that military forces are prepared to offer aid.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and has severely impacted Reunion Island, leaving many without power or water. The storm was characterized by extremely high wind speeds and conditions worse than previous cyclones. Authorities are mobilizing support from nearby regions to assist in recovery efforts as the island begins to recover from this catastrophe.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
