Cyclone Garance has made a catastrophic impact on Reunion, resulting in three deaths and widespread outages. With gusts reaching 234 km/h, the storm prompted an immediate maximum alert, forcing the entire population to seek shelter. Emergency responses and international support are underway as the aftermath reveals the cyclone's significance compared to previous storms.
Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion: Three Fatalities and Widespread Destruction
Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion: Three Fatalities and Widespread Destruction
Cyclone Garance leaves a trail of devastation in Reunion, claiming three lives and cutting off power and water supply to thousands.
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The island of Reunion has been reeling from the effects of Cyclone Garance, which struck with fierce winds of up to 234 km/h (145 mph), leaving at least three people dead. The catastrophic cyclone made landfall early Friday and effectively crippled the territory's infrastructure, leaving over 180,000 homes without electricity and 170,000 residents without running water.
In a desperate measure to ensure public safety, authorities issued an order for the entire island's population, including emergency services and police, to remain indoors as a maximum alert level was declared. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou took to X to warn citizens that the cyclone still posed a significant threat, as heavy rains and dangerous conditions continued throughout Friday.
Prefect Patrice Latron described the cyclone as "brutal and violent," noting that its effects exceeded those of Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities earlier in January 2024. According to Meteo France, the cyclone made landfall in the northern region of the island at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) and progressively moved southward, exiting the island by the late afternoon.
By midday, the local authorities downgraded the alert level to enable emergency and rescue personnel to mobilize post-cyclone. Vincent Clain, a local resident, expressed his fear of experiencing the cyclone's unprecedented power, calling it a harrowing first.
In terms of recovery efforts, around 100 troops and firefighters from Mayotte, a nearby French territory approximately 1,500km (930 miles) away, are on standby to assist, with additional support ready to come from mainland France. Meanwhile, concerns are rising in nearby Mauritius where a 55-year-old man was reported missing after being swept away while swimming in rough seas.
French officials, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, acknowledged the cyclone's unusual intensity and the readiness of armed forces to aid in the recovery efforts. As the situation develops, the primary focus will be on restoring connectivity and ensuring the safety of Reunion’s residents during this challenging time.
The island of Reunion has been reeling from the effects of Cyclone Garance, which struck with fierce winds of up to 234 km/h (145 mph), leaving at least three people dead. The catastrophic cyclone made landfall early Friday and effectively crippled the territory's infrastructure, leaving over 180,000 homes without electricity and 170,000 residents without running water.
In a desperate measure to ensure public safety, authorities issued an order for the entire island's population, including emergency services and police, to remain indoors as a maximum alert level was declared. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou took to X to warn citizens that the cyclone still posed a significant threat, as heavy rains and dangerous conditions continued throughout Friday.
Prefect Patrice Latron described the cyclone as "brutal and violent," noting that its effects exceeded those of Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities earlier in January 2024. According to Meteo France, the cyclone made landfall in the northern region of the island at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) and progressively moved southward, exiting the island by the late afternoon.
By midday, the local authorities downgraded the alert level to enable emergency and rescue personnel to mobilize post-cyclone. Vincent Clain, a local resident, expressed his fear of experiencing the cyclone's unprecedented power, calling it a harrowing first.
In terms of recovery efforts, around 100 troops and firefighters from Mayotte, a nearby French territory approximately 1,500km (930 miles) away, are on standby to assist, with additional support ready to come from mainland France. Meanwhile, concerns are rising in nearby Mauritius where a 55-year-old man was reported missing after being swept away while swimming in rough seas.
French officials, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, acknowledged the cyclone's unusual intensity and the readiness of armed forces to aid in the recovery efforts. As the situation develops, the primary focus will be on restoring connectivity and ensuring the safety of Reunion’s residents during this challenging time.
