Cyclone Garance has struck Réunion Island, resulting in at least four fatalities and leaving hundreds of thousands without water or electricity. The cyclone’s landfall on February 28 brought catastrophic flooding, leading authorities to assist nearly 1,000 displaced individuals. The French government has mobilized aid teams to support recovery efforts.
Cyclone Garance has severely impacted Réunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and leaving hundreds of thousands without basic utilities. The cyclone made landfall on February 28, unleashing winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour), with gusts recorded at 214 km/h (133 mph) at the island’s primary airport.
The storm caused extensive flooding that claimed lives due to flash floods, mudslides, and wind-related mishaps. As a direct consequence, over 180,000 residents lost electricity and approximately 310,000 were deprived of water. Nearly 1,000 individuals found refuge in temporary shelters due to the disaster.
A local resident, Vincent Clain, expressed his fear, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” highlighting the severity of the situation. In response, the French government mobilized 200 firefighters and aid workers from the mainland and the territory of Mayotte, along with tarpaulins provided as temporary shelter in the worst-hit areas.
The recent situation recalls last December’s catastrophic Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, which resulted in significant fatalities and damages. Patrice Latron, the central government representative in Réunion, emphasized the immediate need for clearing roads blocked by fallen trees.
Both Réunion and its neighbor, Mauritius, were compelled to suspend air travel due to the cyclone’s impact. Notably, Cyclone Garance was one of six simultaneous tropical cyclones active in the Southern Hemisphere at the time, as highlighted by meteorologist Lauren Herdman, who remarked on the rarity of such occurrences within a single ocean basin.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Garance underscores the unpredictability and power of severe weather events. The loss of life and disruption to services on Réunion Island reflects the challenges communities face in the wake of such disasters. Emergency responses, including aid from the French government, are crucial in addressing the immediate aftermath and assisting affected individuals in rebuilding their lives.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
