Cyclone Garance struck Réunion island, causing heavy rainfall and winds over 200 km/h, prompting residents to stay indoors. Approximately 683 individuals sought refuge, with significant power and water supply disruptions reported. Although there have been no fatalities, emergency relief efforts are underway to address the damages. The island remains under a red alert as rain and winds persist.
Tropical Cyclone Garance impacted the French Indian Ocean island of Réunion, prompting officials to advise residents to remain indoors. The cyclone brought significant rainfall and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, resulting in flooding, power outages, and structural damage. Approximately 683 individuals sought refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 residents were evacuated due to imminent risks of flooding and landslides. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported as of now.
Authorities indicated that about 30% of residences have lost power, with nearly 10% of the island’s population lacking access to safe drinking water. The strong winds have resulted in extensive damage, ripping off roofs, doors, and windows. Emergency relief efforts are underway, with tarpaulins dispatched to the hardest-hit regions of the eastern island.
The highest-level purple cyclone warning was lifted on Friday morning, allowing rescue operations to commence. However, the island remains under a red warning as heavy rain and winds are expected to continue throughout the day. The national meteorological agency, Meteo France, reported wind speeds reaching 214 kilometers per hour at the island’s main airport.
Réunion is situated approximately 1,500 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, another French territory that experienced severe devastation from Cyclone Chido in December, resulting in 40 confirmed deaths and many individuals still missing. This recent cyclone serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by tropical storms in the region.
In summary, Cyclone Garance has severely affected Réunion island, causing significant infrastructure damage, power outages, and water shortages. The local authorities are executing emergency measures to safeguard residents and assist those impacted. The situation reflects the ongoing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, particularly following the devastation from Cyclone Chido just months prior.
Original Source: apnews.com
