Cyclone Garance Claims Lives and Causes Widespread Damage on Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance has resulted in at least four deaths and widespread devastation on France’s Reunion Island. The storm caused severe flooding, mudslides, and uprooted trees, leaving many residents without water and electricity. Recovery efforts are underway, with aid workers and troops mobilized to assist in restoration.

Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed the lives of at least four individuals on France’s Reunion Island, as confirmed by authorities on Saturday. The storm struck the island early on Friday, unleashing severe flash floods, mudslides, and electrical storms, resulting in widespread loss of access to essential services such as water and electricity for hundreds of thousands of residents.

Authorities reported that the devastation included a man found deceased under uprooted trees, with winds reaching speeds of 230 kilometers per hour (143 miles per hour). Additionally, two women and another man were claimed by flash floods, became trapped in mudslides, or fell victim to electrical fires ignited by the storm.

More than 180,000 residents experienced power outages, with over 170,000 lacking access to clean water, according to government estimates. The island’s international airport is scheduled to resume operations late Saturday after several days of disruptions. Meanwhile, the neighboring island of Mauritius had previously closed its main airport on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.

In response to the catastrophe, the government is dispatching approximately 200 firefighters and civil aid workers from Mayotte, a French territory nearly 1,500 kilometers away, as well as personnel from mainland France. Troops have also been placed on standby to assist with recovery efforts.

Numerous residents have shared images online depicting the extent of destruction, including uprooted trees, collapsed roofs, and severely flooded homes. Significant portions of roadways have been rendered impassable due to fallen trees and floodwaters. Patrice Latron, the representative of the central government on the island, stated that extensive recovery work is required, highlighting that many roads are blocked or entirely washed away. He underscored the severity by comparing it to a previous cyclone, declaring Garance to be even more intense than Cyclone Belal, which also resulted in fatalities in January 2024.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on Reunion Island, leading to at least four fatalities and significant infrastructural damage. With essential services disrupted and numerous residents impacted, government and emergency services are mobilizing resources for recovery efforts. The storm’s intensity has raised concerns, prompting comparisons to other recent cyclones and highlighting the need for urgent humanitarian aid.

Original Source: www.france24.com