Cyclone Garance Causes Death and Destruction on La Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance has devastated La Reunion island, resulting in three fatalities and widespread destruction, including power outages for over 180,000 households. Residents faced significant danger as wind speeds reached 155 mph, with ongoing concerns about safety and water access. Efforts to assess damage and assist affected residents are currently underway, while recovery challenges remain abundant.

Cyclone Garance has caused widespread destruction on La Reunion island, resulting in three reported fatalities. The cyclone made landfall on Friday, delivering wind speeds of up to 155 miles per hour. Its impact included severe damage to infrastructure, such as roofs blown away and significant power outages affecting over 180,000 households.

French authorities confirmed that essential services, including access to drinking water, have been severely interrupted, with approximately 10 percent of residents lacking water access. Following the cyclone’s exit from the island, the local weather agency, Meteo France, downgraded the storm alert, allowing rescue operations to commence, although a mandatory indoors order remained in effect as heavy rains posed additional risks.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou urged residents to heed local authorities in this critical time. Reports indicate that the cyclone’s ferocity has left many residents fearful; Vincent Clain, a resident of Sainte-Marie, shared his experience, stating, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.” Other residents echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern for their safety and property as the storm wreaked havoc across the island.

The nearby tourist destination of Mauritius preemptively closed its main airport before the cyclone’s arrival, and La Reunion’s international airport is expected to resume operations late Saturday. Overall, the region has faced significant challenges in the wake of Cyclone Garance, with recovery efforts likely to be extensive and complex.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed three lives and inflicted extensive damage on La Reunion island, with power outages and loss of access to water affecting a substantial portion of the population. The situation has incited fear among residents as they navigate the aftermath. Authorities continue to mobilize rescue efforts while urging caution as weather conditions improve.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com