Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island, Authorities Urge Caution

Tropical Cyclone Garance has hit Reunion, resulting in heavy rains and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. As a result, local authorities urged residents to stay indoors, with significant flooding and power outages reported. Emergency shelters have been set up, and although no fatalities have been confirmed, damage to infrastructure is extensive, with many homes lacking electricity and access to drinking water.

Tropical Cyclone Garance has struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, unleashing heavy rainfall and winds that have exceeded 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). The cyclone has caused severe flooding, power outages, and structural damage in various areas across the island. In light of these conditions, local authorities have instructed residents to remain indoors for their safety.

The Reunion prefecture stated that 683 individuals sought refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 were evacuated as a precautionary measure against potential flooding and landslides. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far, but approximately 30% of homes are currently without electricity, and nearly 10% of the island’s population of 885,000 is without access to potable water.

Damage reports indicate that strong winds have resulted in roofs, doors, and windows being torn off several buildings. Tarpaulins are being dispatched to the most affected regions, particularly in the eastern part of the island, to provide temporary shelter. Although the highest-level purple cyclone warning was lifted, the island remains under a red warning due to ongoing severe weather conditions.

The national weather agency, Meteo France, recorded winds of up to 214 kilometers per hour at the island’s main airport. Reunion is situated about 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, which experienced its own catastrophic cyclone in December, causing significant destruction and loss of life. This underscores the ongoing threat posed by cyclones in the region.

Tropical Cyclone Garance’s impact on Reunion has been considerable, with substantial damage and disruption. While emergency measures are in place and no fatalities have been reported, the situation remains critical. Authorities continue to emphasize safety by urging residents to stay indoors as recovery efforts commence. This incident highlights the vulnerability of island communities to severe weather events and the need for preparedness.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com