Cyclone Garance Leaves Three Dead and Devastates Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance has resulted in three fatalities in Reunion Island, with winds reaching 234 km/h. Over 180,000 homes lost power, and the population was ordered to remain indoors during the cyclone. Emergency services have begun recovery efforts, and the situation is still being monitored due to ongoing weather threats.

Cyclone Garance has tragically taken three lives in Reunion Island as it traversed the French territory in the Indian Ocean. The cyclone brought powerful winds exceeding 234 km/h (145 mph), resulting in over 180,000 homes losing electricity and around 170,000 residents without running water following its landfall on Friday morning.

The entire population of the island, including emergency services and law enforcement, was instructed to remain indoors as local authorities issued a maximum alert level. Heavy rainfall was anticipated to persist throughout Friday evening, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou indicating that the cyclone continues to pose a threat.

The severe conditions inflicted by Cyclone Garance were described as more intense than those experienced with Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities earlier in January 2024. The cyclone made landfall in the northern part of the island at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT), proceeding southward and exiting by late afternoon, according to Meteo France.

Authorities downgraded the alert level by midday to enable emergency services and police to commence their operations post-cyclone. Wind speeds reached levels not observed since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a resident of the northern coast, expressed his fear and astonishment, 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, alongside firefighters, are prepared for deployment from the French territory of Mayotte, located nearly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, as well as an additional 100 personnel from mainland France once conditions permit. Concurrently, a 55-year-old man is reported missing in Mauritius after being caught in rough sea conditions while swimming.

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked on Friday that the intensity of Cyclone Garance is “rare,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that armed forces are on standby to provide assistance as necessary.

In summary, Cyclone Garance caused significant destruction and loss of life in Reunion Island, as described by officials who noted its unprecedented strength. The island’s emergency services are responding to the aftermath, and further assistance is being organized. With continued adverse weather conditions expected, the population remains vigilant as authorities oversee recovery efforts.

Original Source: www.bbc.com