Cyclone Garance Devastates La Reunion Island, Leaving Three Dead and Widespread Damage

Cyclone Garance has struck La Reunion Island, leading to at least three fatalities and widespread damage. With winds reaching up to 155 mph, over 180,000 homes are without power, and some lack access to drinking water. Although the worst of the storm has passed, residents remain under a stay-at-home order as conditions are still hazardous. Government officials urge compliance with safety directives as recovery begins.

Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed at least three lives on La Reunion Island, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. The cyclone made landfall with winds reaching 155 mph, resulting in extensive damage as roofs were blown away and power outages were reported across the island. Over 180,000 homes have experienced power interruptions, and approximately ten percent of the population is without access to potable water.

Having struck on a Friday, the cyclone quickly moved across the northern regions of the island, with the worst of the storm now reported to have passed. The Meteo France weather agency downgraded the alert level, allowing rescue services to begin their assessment of the situation, although a mandatory stay-at-home order remains in effect due to ongoing risks from heavy rainfall.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou advised citizens to heed local authorities’ guidance, reinforcing the continued threat posed by the cyclone. “Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones who have been hit hard,” he remarked on social media. The local utility company reported significant power loss, impacting roughly 42 percent of its clients on the island.

Residents shared their fear and concerns regarding the cyclone’s impact. Vincent Clain, a resident of Sainte-Marie, stated, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” describing the damage to his property. Aline Etheve from Sainte-Suzanne expressed her anxiety about the structural integrity of her home as she lost access to power and internet services due to the storm.

La Reunion’s international airport suspended operations and is scheduled to resume late on Saturday, while neighboring Mauritius already closed its main airport earlier in the week. As the community begins to recover, weather conditions are anticipated to improve, providing some hope for residents affected by this disaster.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused significant devastation on La Reunion Island, resulting in fatalities and extensive property damage. Authorities continue to manage power outages and threats to public safety while residents express their fears. The situation remains serious, with ongoing recovery efforts expected to commence as conditions stabilize.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com