Tropical Cyclone Garance struck Réunion on February 28, 2025, causing at least four fatalities and leaving over 180,000 residents without essential services including power and water. The storm was characterized as a Category 3 hurricane, with gusts recorded at 214 km/h. Although conditions improved post-storm, local authorities continued to warn residents about residual hazards, and military assistance was prepared to help with recovery efforts.
Tropical Cyclone Garance impacted Réunion’s northern coast on February 28, 2025, at 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC). This severe cyclone resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and disrupted the lives of over 180,000 residents by cutting off power, water, and internet services. The storm exhibited characteristics of a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching up to 155 km/h (95 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (125 mph).
Meteo-France recorded maximum gusts of 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, the highest since Cyclone Jenny in 1962. Some areas experienced even stronger winds, reaching 234 km/h (145 mph), comparable to the hurricane-force winds recorded during Cyclone Hollanda in 1994. Cyclone Dina in 2002 recorded the most intense speeds for the island, exceeding 279 km/h.
The severity of conditions produced by Garance was described as “brutal and violent,” surpassing those caused by Cyclone Belal, which also led to four fatalities in January 2024, according to Prefect Patrice Latron. The cyclone resulted in significant infrastructure damage, with 182,000 households left without power, 171,000 without water, and 134,000 lacking internet connectivity.
Physical destruction was widespread, with roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and significant street damage, leading to 30% of the island’s population losing power and 10% losing water access at various points. As of March 1, four confirmed deaths were reported, while earlier reports mentioned three fatalities. By March 1, the cyclone had downgraded to a strong tropical storm after crossing the island.
Although a red alert was lifted, authorities cautioned residents to remain vigilant due to lingering hazards such as downed power lines and flooding, especially in the affected southern areas of the island. France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, characterized Garance as a cyclone of “rare intensity,” and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu indicated that military personnel were on standby to provide assistance. Approximately 100 troops and firefighters from Mayotte and another 100 from mainland France were prepared to deploy once conditions allowed.
Tropical Cyclone Garance resulted in significant casualties and widespread damage across Réunion. With intense winds and severe conditions, the cyclone left vast numbers of residents without essential services. Although the storm weakened shortly after affecting the island, recovery efforts are still crucial as authorities monitor for ongoing risks. Government preparedness included mobilizing military assistance to aid in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Original Source: watchers.news
