Tropical Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors

Tropical Cyclone Garance has caused severe weather on Reunion island, with winds over 200 km/h and heavy rain. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors, with thousands seeking shelter due to flooding risks. Significant power outages and damage have been reported, but no fatalities have occurred. Emergency operations are ongoing as red and previously elevated cyclone warnings remain in effect.

Residents on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion are advised to remain indoors as Tropical Cyclone Garance impacts the area, bringing with it heavy rainfall and winds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). The cyclone has led to significant flooding, power outages, and structural damage throughout the region. Local officials reported that 683 individuals have sought shelter and 54 have been evacuated as a precautionary measure against potential flooding and landslides, although no casualties have been reported.

Approximately 30% of homes on the island are currently without electricity, while nearly 10% of Reunion’s population, which totals around 885,000, lacks access to potable water. The prefecture confirmed that strong winds have resulted in extensive damage, including roofs, doors, and windows being torn from buildings. Emergency services have been deployed to the areas most severely affected, particularly in the eastern regions of the island.

The purple cyclone warning, indicating the highest threat level, was lifted on Friday morning, allowing rescue operations to commence. Nonetheless, a red warning remains in effect, urging residents to stay indoors due to continued forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds. According to the national meteorological agency, Meteo France, winds of 214 kilometers per hour have been recorded at the island’s primary airport.

Reunion island is situated approximately 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, another French territory that recently endured significant damage from Cyclone Chido. This earlier cyclone resulted in 40 confirmed fatalities, along with 41 individuals reported missing or presumed buried in the aftermath of what was described as one of the most devastating storms in a century.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Garance has struck Reunion island with powerful winds and heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors and evacuate vulnerable individuals. While emergency shelters have been established and rescue operations are underway, significant disruptions to power and water access are reported. The situation remains critical, and local residents are urged to remain cautious as adverse weather conditions persist.

Original Source: apnews.com