La Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, was battered by Cyclone Garance on Friday, leaving three dead and causing widespread destruction. The storm, with winds reaching up to 230 kilometers per hour, also forced the closure of the main airport in nearby Mauritius.
Tragic Loss of Lives
Authorities confirmed three fatalities as a result of the cyclone. A woman in her 50s was swept away by torrential waters in Saint-Denis, while a man lost his life in an electrical fire in the capital. A third victim, a woman, perished in a mudslide in Trois Bassins on the island’s western side. Additionally, five others sustained injuries due to the storm’s impact.
Widespread Damage and Disruptions
The powerful cyclone left over 180,000 households without electricity, 170,000 without water, and disrupted mobile network coverage for 134,000 people. The storm caused severe flooding, uprooted trees, and ripped off roofs, leaving entire neighborhoods submerged. Residents shared distressing images of vehicles being swept away by floodwaters.
“I watched my car being overturned by the torrent, and there was nothing I could do,” said Adrien, a resident of Saint-Andre.
Residents Share Their Fears
Authorities imposed a maximum alert on Friday, confining residents indoors for several hours, including emergency personnel. Though the alert was later eased for law enforcement and rescue services, civilians were urged to stay inside.
Prefect Patrice Latron emphasized that Cyclone Garance was even more intense than Cyclone Belal, which struck La Reunion in January 2024, killing four people.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid,” said Vincent Clain, a 45-year-old resident of Sainte-Marie. He and his family sought refuge in their kitchen, fearing that trees in their garden would collapse onto their home.
Another resident, Aline Etheve from Sainte-Suzanne, expressed concerns about her home’s stability. “I must admit I’m a little scared. The storm destroyed my garden fence, and I’m worried the roof will collapse,” she said.
Emergency Response and Relief Efforts
More than 800 people sought refuge in emergency shelters across the island. In response to the crisis, around 100 troops and firefighters were on standby to be deployed from Mayotte, another French territory 1,500 kilometers away, as soon as conditions allowed. An additional 100 emergency personnel were set to arrive from mainland France.
France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, described Cyclone Garance as an event of “rare intensity,” while Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu assured that the armed forces were prepared to provide aid.
Preparations and Aftermath
Ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, residents took precautionary measures, stocking up on essential supplies. Farmers dismantled greenhouses, and fishermen secured their boats on land. Despite these efforts, the storm left many feeling helpless.
“It is a feeling of being powerless,” said Jean-Christophe Hoareau, a local farmer.
Marie Rose Gaze, a resident of Saint-Denis, witnessed debris flying from a nearby building. “Satellite dishes, clotheslines, and even chunks of cement were blown away,” she said.
As the storm moved away, emergency services began assessing the damage and working to restore essential services. However, with heavy rains and strong winds persisting, the full extent of the destruction remains to be seen.
Sources By Agencies
