Cyclone Garance has hit Reunion island with severe winds and heavy rain, causing floods and damage to infrastructure. Local authorities have evacuated certain residents and established emergency shelters, as power outages and access to drinking water are significant concerns. Although the highest warning level has been lifted, residents are advised to stay indoors as weather conditions remain dangerous.
Tropical Cyclone Garance recently struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, unleashing severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and winds reaching speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). This powerful storm has led to significant flooding, widespread damage to infrastructure, and ongoing power outages across the island.
In response to the cyclone, local authorities have advised residents to remain indoors. The prefecture reported that 683 individuals took refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 others were evacuated as a precaution against potential flooding and landslides. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities reported thus far.
Approximately 30% of the residential areas experienced power interruptions, with nearly 10% of the island’s population of 885,000 lacking access to drinking water. The cyclone’s intense winds have caused roofs, doors, and windows to be ripped from buildings, necessitating the deployment of tarpaulins to the hardest-hit regions.
As of Friday morning, the highest-level purple cyclone warning has been lifted, allowing rescue operations to commence. However, the island remains under a red warning, indicating that residents should continue to avoid travel as heavy rain and strong winds persist throughout the day. The national weather agency, Meteo France, recorded winds of up to 214 kilometers per hour at Reunion’s main airport.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused considerable distress on the island of Reunion with high winds and heavy rainfall leading to flooding, power outages, and structural damage. The local authorities have coordinated evacuation and shelter measures to safeguard residents amidst the storm. While the emergency warning level has been reduced, ongoing threats from adverse weather conditions remain a concern, urging continued caution among the populace.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
