Tropical Cyclone Garance Ravages Réunion, Causing Four Deaths and Widespread Outages

Tropical Cyclone Garance made landfall on Réunion on February 28, 2025, causing significant damage and killing four individuals. The storm left over 180,000 residents without power, water, and internet access. With winds reaching up to 234 km/h, the cyclone resulted in widespread destruction. Local and national authorities are preparing for recovery and support efforts following the storm’s passage.

Tropical Cyclone Garance struck the northern coast of Réunion on February 28, 2025, at 10:00 local time, inflicting serious damage with intense winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone is reported to have caused four fatalities, leaving over 180,000 residents without power, water, or internet access.

Upon landfall, Garance was equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane, boasting sustained winds of 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph). The highest gust recorded was 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, a record not seen since Cyclone Jenny in 1962. Some gusts reached as high as 234 km/h (145 mph) at Sainte-Rose.

The destructive conditions were described as “brutal and violent” by local authorities, even exceeding the severity of Cyclone Belal that claimed four lives in January 2024, according to Prefect Patrice Latron. Garance left over 182,000 households without electricity, 171,000 without water, and 134,000 without internet.

The cyclone’s impact included blown-off roofs, uprooted trees, and damaged streets, with 30% of the island experiencing power loss and 10% facing water shortages. As of March 1, local authorities confirmed four deaths, a number that had previously been reported as three.

By March 1, Cyclone Garance had weakened to a tropical storm after exiting the island by late afternoon. Although the red alert was lifted, residents were advised to exercise caution due to hazards such as flooding and downed power lines. While conditions improved in the north, challenges remained in the south.

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized the cyclone as one of “rare intensity,” with Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu affirming that armed forces are ready to provide assistance. Approximately 100 troops and firefighters were poised to be deployed from Mayotte and another 100 from mainland France as conditions allowed.

Tropical Cyclone Garance has had a devastating impact on Réunion Island, causing multiple fatalities and significant disruption to essential services. The intensity of the storm was noteworthy, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to such extreme weather events. As recovery efforts commence, authorities remain vigilant about safety concerns, offering support where needed.

Original Source: watchers.news