Tropical Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
Tropical Cyclone Garance has impacted Reunion Island, prompting residents to remain indoors. The storm brought heavy rains and winds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour, causing flooding and significant damage. Immediate evacuations and emergency shelter provisions have been implemented, though no fatalities have been reported. Authorities maintain a red warning as adverse weather conditions persist.
Residents on Reunion Island in the French Indian Ocean were urged to remain indoors as Tropical Cyclone Garance struck, bringing severe weather that included heavy rain and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). Authorities reported significant flooding, power outages, and damage to infrastructure, necessitating emergency responses and shelter provisions for the affected population.
The local prefecture announced that a total of 683 individuals sought refuge in designated emergency shelters, while 54 residents were evacuated as a precaution against flooding and landslides. Though there were no fatalities reported, approximately 30% of the island’s homes experienced power loss, and around 10% of the 885,000 residents faced contaminated drinking water supplies. Structural damages included roofs, windows, and doors ripped off by the ferocious winds.
In light of the storm’s impact, the highest-level purple cyclone warning was lifted in the morning, enabling rescue services to initiate their operations. However, a red warning remained in effect, advising residents to stay indoors due to ongoing heavy rain and strong winds. The national weather agency, Meteo France, recorded wind speeds of up to 214 kilometers per hour at the island’s main airport.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has caused significant disruption on Reunion Island, prompting emergency measures including the evacuation of individuals at risk. While no fatalities have been reported, structural damage and power outages have severely impacted daily life for many residents. Ongoing vigilance is necessary as authorities continue to assess and respond to the storm’s aftermath.
Original Source: apnews.com
