Cyclone Garance Causes Fatalities and Disruption on Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance has killed at least four people on France’s Reunion Island, causing widespread destruction including flash floods, mudslides, and extensive power outages affecting over 180,000 residents. Rescue efforts are being bolstered by approximately 200 firefighters and military personnel, while the island’s infrastructure faces significant damage and challenges.

Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of at least four individuals on France’s Reunion Island, as reported by authorities on Saturday. The cyclone struck the island early Friday, resulting in catastrophic flash floods, mudslides, and severe electrical storms that disrupted basic services for numerous residents. As of the latest updates, over 180,000 individuals are without electricity and more than 170,000 lack access to clean water, highlighting the storm’s devastating impact.

Authorities have identified the victims as one man who was found trapped under fallen trees, along with two women and another man who were swept away by flooding, caught in a mudslide, or perished due to a fire caused by the cyclone. The winds reached speeds of 230 kilometers per hour (143 miles per hour), uprooting thousands of trees across the island of approximately 900,000 residents. The international airport is expected to resume operations later today.

In response to the disaster, approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid workers are being dispatched from Mayotte and mainland France, while military personnel remain on standby for additional support. Residents have shared images online depicting the extensive destruction, including uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and inundated streets. The representative of the central government on the island, Patrice Latron, remarked on the significant challenges posed by road blockages and infrastructural damage.

Mr. Latron stated, “Roads are flooded, roads are cut off, and some washed away. Bridges have come down.” He further noted that Cyclone Garance was more intense than Cyclone Belal, which previously resulted in four fatalities on Reunion Island in January 2024. As rescue and recovery efforts begin, the focus is on restoring essential services and clearing the infrastructure.

In conclusion, Cyclone Garance has resulted in tragic loss of life and significant disruption to essential services on France’s Reunion Island. The scope of the damage includes widespread flooding, mudslides, and electrical outages affecting hundreds of thousands. Coordinated emergency response efforts are underway to support recovery and aid the affected population as the island begins to assess the full extent of the storm’s impact.

Original Source: www.france24.com