Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Cyclone Garance has hit Reunion Island, causing heavy rain and winds over 200 kilometers per hour. Approximately 683 individuals have sought refuge in shelters due to flooding risks, and officials report widespread power outages. Although the highest warning has been lifted, residents remain under a red warning urging them to stay indoors.
Tropical Cyclone Garance has struck the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, prompting officials to advise residents to remain indoors. With wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), the cyclone has caused significant flooding, power outages, and structural damage across the island. The prefecture reported that approximately 30% of homes are without electricity and nearly 10% of the island’s population is lacking access to potable water.
In response to the storm, 683 individuals have sought refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to the threat of flooding and landslides. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities reported thus far. Many buildings suffered extensive damage, including roofs, doors, and windows being torn off by the intense winds, with tarpaulins dispatched to the most affected regions.
Although the highest level purple cyclone warning was lifted on Friday morning, Reunion remains under a red warning, urging the community to stay indoors as severe weather conditions are expected to persist. The national weather agency, Meteo France, recorded wind gusts of up to 214 kilometers per hour at the island’s main airport.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has significantly impacted the island of Reunion, causing extensive damage and prompting local authorities to take precautionary measures for the safety of residents. While the worst of the cyclone may have passed, the threat of flooding and adverse weather continues, necessitating ongoing caution among the population.
Original Source: apnews.com
