Tropical Cyclone Garance Devastates Réunion Island, Leaving Four Dead and Thousands Without Power

Tropical Cyclone Garance struck Réunion Island on February 28, 2025, resulting in four deaths and significant damage. The cyclone, categorized as a Category 3 hurricane, caused widespread outages affecting over 180,000 residents. Although conditions have improved since the storm’s passage, authorities continue to urge caution due to lingering dangers.

Tropical Cyclone Garance struck the northern coast of Réunion Island on February 28, 2025, at 10:00 local time, bringing with it fierce winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone was classified as a Category 3 hurricane, generating sustained winds of 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph). Regrettably, at least four individuals lost their lives due to the severe weather conditions, with thousands affected by power outages, as well as disruptions to water and internet services.

Meteo-France reported extreme wind gusts, reaching a record 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, marking the airport’s highest recorded speed since Cyclone Jenny in 1962. Some regions experienced gusts peaking at 234 km/h (145 mph), reminiscent of conditions experienced during Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994. It is important to note that Cyclone Dina in 2002 recorded even higher gusts, surpassing 279 km/h.

Prefect Patrice Latron described the cyclone’s conditions as “brutal and violent,” indicating they were more severe than those of Cyclone Belal, which resulted in four fatalities in January 2024. Cyclone Garance caused extensive destruction, affecting over 182,000 households who lost electricity, along with 171,000 people who lost water access and 134,000 without internet.

The cyclone resulted in significant physical damage, with roofs torn off buildings, uprooted trees, and damaged streets. At various points during the storm, 30% of the island experienced power outages and 10% suffered water supply interruptions. Local authorities have confirmed four fatalities as of March 1, and earlier reports indicated three deaths.

By the end of the day on March 1, Garance had weakened to a strong tropical storm after traversing the island and moving south-westward. Although the Red alert was lifted, officials urged residents to remain vigilant and to limit unnecessary travel due to ongoing hazards, such as fallen power lines and flooding. While conditions are improving in the northern regions, challenges persist in the southern parts of the island.

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Cyclone Garance as one of “rare intensity,” and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that the armed forces were on standby to assist affected areas. Approximately 100 troops and firefighters are ready to be deployed from the French territory of Mayotte, located nearly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, along with another 100 personnel from mainland France once conditions allow.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Garance has wrought devastation on Réunion Island, causing four fatalities and leaving hundreds of thousands without essential services. The storm’s powerful winds, which peaked at record levels, have resulted in significant infrastructural damage. Although the initial threat has diminished, residents are advised to remain cautious as recovery efforts begin and assistance is mobilized on the island.

Original Source: watchers.news