Cyclone Garance Causes Fatalities and Destruction in La Reunion

• Cyclone Garance has left at least three people dead in La Reunion island.
• More than 180,000 households have experienced power outages due to the cyclone.
• A mandatory order for residents to stay indoors was still in place after the storm.

Cyclone Garance Causes Major Devastation in La Reunion

On Friday, Cyclone Garance made a devastating impact on the French overseas territory of La Reunion, tragically claiming the lives of at least three individuals as it swept across the Indian Ocean island. With winds reaching up to 155 miles per hour, the cyclone wreaked havoc, resulting in widespread damage, particularly in the northern part of the island, where it initially made landfall. French authorities reported that a staggering 180,000 households, representing about 42% of the electricity utility’s customers, were left without power due to the cyclone’s ferocious winds and heavy rainfall.

Rescue Efforts Begin Despite Ongoing Threats

As Cyclone Garance exited the southwest of La Reunion several hours later, officials at Meteo France announced that the most severe part of the storm had passed. However, as assessments began, the situation remained precarious. A mandatory order for residents to stay indoors remained intact, despite a downgraded storm alert from the highest level of purple to red. The French Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, took to X to remind citizens to heed local authorities’ instructions, highlighting the ongoing threat that the cyclone posed. Meanwhile, recovery efforts commenced as authorities began evaluating the damage and extending aid to those affected by the storm’s aftermath.

Residents Share Their Fearful Experiences

Residents expressed their fears, sharing harrowing experiences as the cyclone hit. Vincent Clain, a 45-year-old resident from Sainte-Marie, stated, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.” He recounted how the cyclone uprooted trees in his garden, causing concerns over potential damage to his home. Similarly, Aline Etheve, living in Sainte-Suzanne, voiced her anxiety about her house’s roof collapsing after the storm wreaked havoc on her garden fence, leaving her without power and Wi-Fi access. The narrative of fear and uncertainty among residents illustrates the cyclone’s profound impact on daily life on the island, with many remaining on edge as aftereffects linger in the air.

The devastation caused by Cyclone Garance on La Reunion highlights the destructive power of natural disasters and the urgency of community resilience. With significant portions of the population facing power outages and other critical challenges, recovery efforts have only just begun. As the island starts to grasp the full extent of the disaster, local authorities continue to urge residents to remain cautious and adhere to safety measures as conditions gradually improve.