Cyclone Garance Claims Lives and Wreaks Havoc on Reunion Island
Cyclone Garance has caused at least four fatalities on France’s Reunion Island, triggering flash floods and extensive infrastructure damage, with hundreds of thousands left without power or water. Emergency response teams are being deployed to assist with recovery efforts as local authorities assess the widespread devastation inflicted by the storm.
Cyclone Garance has wrought havoc on France’s Reunion Island, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least four individuals, as confirmed by local authorities on Saturday. The destructive storm struck early Friday, unleashing flash floods, mudslides, and intense electrical storms. The calamity left hundreds of thousands without access to essential services, including water and electricity.
Authorities reported that among the victims, one man was discovered trapped under fallen trees, uprooted by winds reaching speeds of 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour. Additionally, two women and another man perished as a result of flash floods, a mudslide, or an electrical fire ignited by the cyclone, according to reports from the prefecture.
The storm’s impact has been extensive, with over 180,000 residents left without electricity and more than 170,000 without water. The international airport on the island is expected to resume operations late Saturday following its temporary closure due to the storm’s onset. Neighboring Mauritius had also shut down its main airport in anticipation of the cyclone’s approach.
In response to the devastation, approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid workers are being dispatched from Mayotte, a French territory situated nearly 1,500 kilometers away, as well as from mainland France. Troops have also been placed on standby to aid recovery efforts. Local residents shared images depicting the destruction, showcasing uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and flooded residences.
Patrice Latron, the central government representative on Reunion Island, acknowledged the considerable recovery efforts required due to infrastructural damage, stating that many roads remain impassable due to blockages from fallen trees. He remarked on the severity of Cyclone Garance, comparing its intensity to that of Cyclone Belal, which caused four fatalities on the island in January 2024.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Garance has led to the loss of at least four lives on Reunion Island, with significant disruptions to utilities and infrastructure. Authorities are mobilizing resources for recovery efforts, and residents are grappling with the aftermath of the cyclone’s destructive force. The situation remains serious as local and national agencies continue to address the overwhelming challenges posed by the storm.
Original Source: www.france24.com
