Cyclone Garance has caused three deaths in Reunion due to fierce winds of 234 km/h and severe damage, leaving many without power and water. Authorities imposed strict safety measures, while local officials warned of ongoing threats. Over 100 troops are on standby for assistance following the cyclone’s impact.
Cyclone Garance has tragically resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Reunion, as it unleashed winds reaching 234 km/h (145 mph) over the French Indian Ocean territory. The cyclone made landfall on Friday morning, leading to widespread disruptions, including the loss of power for over 180,000 homes and the loss of running water for 170,000 residents. In response to the severe weather, local authorities mandated that the entire population remain indoors under a maximum alert level.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has cautioned that Cyclone Garance remains a significant threat, with heavy rainfall anticipated to persist into Friday evening. Prefect Patrice Latron remarked on the cyclone’s brutal and violent nature, noting it has surpassed the impact of Cyclone Belal, which previously claimed four lives in January 2024. Cyclone Garance made landfall in northern Reunion at 10:00 local time, subsequently passing southward and exiting the island by the afternoon, as reported by Meteo France.
Authorities lowered the alert level by midday, enabling emergency services and law enforcement to resume operations. The cyclone’s wind speeds were the highest recorded on the island since Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. Vincent Clain, a resident of the northern coast, expressed his distress: “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.”
In anticipation of emergency needs, approximately 100 troops and firefighters from the nearby French territory of Mayotte, along with another 100 from mainland France, are prepared for deployment once conditions improve. Separately, a 55-year-old man has gone missing in Mauritius after encountering rough seas while swimming. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledged Cyclone Garance’s unusual intensity, and Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed the readiness of armed forces to assist the affected region.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has led to significant devastation in Reunion, causing three fatalities and extensive disruptions to essential services. The cyclone’s intensity has prompted stringent safety measures, and the local authorities are poised to respond to the aftermath as the region recuperates. As support efforts are mobilized, the need for vigilance against such extreme weather events remains critical.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
