Cyclone Garance has devastated Reunion Island, killing at least four people and causing significant injuries and infrastructural damage. Winds reached 230 km/h, leading to widespread flash floods and mudslides. Essential services, including water and electricity, are disrupted, with recovery efforts underway from local and external military resources.
Cyclone Garance struck France’s Reunion Island, resulting in at least four fatalities as reported by authorities on Saturday. The storm, which hit early Friday, caused severe flash floods, mudslides, and electrical storms, leaving many residents without water and electricity. Winds reached speeds of 230 kilometers per hour (143 miles per hour), uprooting thousands of trees across the island, which has a population of approximately 900,000.
One victim, a man, was discovered under a fallen tree, while two women and another man lost their lives due to flash floods, mudslides, or an electrical fire caused by the storm. The damage was extensive with over 180,000 residents losing electricity and more than 170,000 lacking access to water.
Following the cyclone, the international airport on the island reopened late Saturday. Meanwhile, the nearby tourist destination of Mauritius had closed its main airport in anticipation of the storm, as Reunion had also halted flights earlier. The French government dispatched about 200 firefighters and aid workers from Mayotte and mainland France to assist recovery efforts, with military personnel on standby.
Images shared online displayed the magnitude of destruction, featuring uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and flooded neighborhoods. Many roads remained blocked by debris, including fallen trees, while some were completely underwater or washed away. Patrice Latron, the central government representative on Reunion, highlighted the extent of the damage, indicating a significant effort would be required for repairs.
Cyclone Garance has caused extensive devastation on Reunion Island, claiming at least four lives and leaving many without essential services. The storm’s impact was characterized by severe flooding and damage to infrastructure, prompting emergency responses from the government. As recovery efforts begin, the need for significant repairs and aid is evident.
Original Source: www.france24.com
