Cyclone Garance Strikes La Reunion Island, Resulting in Casualties and Devastation

• Cyclone Garance has left three people dead in La Reunion island.
• More than 180,000 households faced power outages due to the cyclone.
• Residents expressed their fear as Cyclone Garance wreaked havoc.

Cyclone Garance Causes Widespread Damage and Casualties

Cyclone Garance has tragically taken the lives of at least three individuals on La Reunion island, a French overseas territory situated in the Indian Ocean. The cyclone made its presence felt with wind gusts reaching a staggering 155 miles per hour, according to reports from French police. The storm, which struck on Friday, wreaked havoc particularly in the northern regions of the island, resulting in widespread destruction including the loss of roofs and significant interruptions to basic services such as power and access to drinking water for many residents.

Emergency Response and Community Concerns After the Storm

As the storm dissipated and exited the southwestern part of the island, Meteo France indicated that the worst effects of Cyclone Garance had passed. The weather alert was downgraded from purple to red earlier that day, which prompted rescue teams to begin assessing the damage and extending aid to those who were severely impacted. However, the local authorities maintained a mandatory stay-at-home order as the risk from heavy rain continued to linger despite the decrease in wind speeds.

Residents Share Their Experiences and Fears

The Prefecture reported that approximately 180,000 households were without power, which is about 42 percent of the island’s electricity customers, adding to the already dire situation. With nearly ten percent of the island lacking access to fresh drinking water, the situation remains critical for many. Residents shared their fears during the storm; Vincent Clain, residing in the northern town of Sainte-Marie, expressed how this was his first experience with such a powerful cyclone. Others echoed similar sentiments, noting the frighteningly destructive force of Gale Garance and its impact on their homes, including uprooted trees and damaged roofs.

Cyclone Garance has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread damage on La Reunion island, with many residents facing power outages and limited access to clean water. The response from local authorities remains ongoing. The community’s fears during this event underscore the dire circumstances they are currently dealing with as they await recovery.