La Réunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, is reeling from the devastation caused by Cyclone Garance, which has claimed at least four lives and left widespread destruction in its wake. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the storm, which struck the island on Friday, uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and flooded entire streets, displacing thousands of residents.
Cyclone’s Impact
The cyclone, which brought winds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, forced authorities to impose a red alert, ordering residents to stay indoors. The alert was lifted on Saturday morning after the storm weakened into a severe tropical storm. However, the aftermath has left many parts of the island in disarray.
The latest fatality was reported in the capital, Saint-Denis, where a man was found trapped under a fallen tree. Authorities said the other three victims—a man and two women—lost their lives due to flash floods, a mudslide, and an electrical fire.
More than 160,000 people remain without electricity, while over 310,000 residents lack access to clean drinking water. Nearly 140,000 are without internet services. Authorities also reported that over 950 people have been forced into temporary shelters as recovery efforts continue.
Roads Blocked, Infrastructure Damaged
Patrice Latron, the central government representative on the island, said extensive recovery work is needed as roads remain blocked by debris, fallen trees, and floodwaters. In Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a ravine overflowed, sending torrents of muddy water through the town center.
“We’re shoveling it away, but there’s far too much mud,” said a local worker. “We’ve had to bring in excavators.”
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
Authorities have announced that around 200 firefighters and military personnel will be deployed from mainland France and the French territory of Mayotte to assist in relief efforts over the weekend. The international airport, which was closed ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, is expected to resume operations on Saturday evening.
The storm has dealt a severe blow to La Réunion’s agricultural sector, with market gardens and farms suffering significant damage. Floris Carpaye, a representative of the farmers’ union FDSEA, confirmed the widespread impact on crops and infrastructure.
Worse Than Cyclone Belal
Officials have compared Cyclone Garance to Cyclone Belal, which struck La Réunion in January 2024, also claiming four lives and causing an estimated €100 million in damage. However, Latron said Garance had a greater impact, leaving a longer path of destruction.
Sources By Agencies
