Cyclone Garance Devastates La Réunion: One Dead, Two Missing

Cyclone Garance battered La Réunion with 96 mph winds, leaving one dead and two missing. Thousands face power outages and water shortages.

Cyclone Garance Wreaks Havoc on La Réunion: One Dead, Two Missing

A devastating cyclone tore through the French overseas territory of La Réunion on Friday, bringing destruction and chaos to the Indian Ocean island. Cyclone Garance, packing wind speeds of up to 96 mph (155 kph), claimed the life of one resident, with two others reported missing. Officials are now scrambling to assess the full extent of the damage and restore essential services.

Fury of the Storm: Widespread Destruction

As the cyclone made landfall in the island’s northern region, violent winds ripped off rooftops, felled trees, and caused widespread power outages. Torrential rainfall turned streets into rivers, leaving many residents stranded and fearing for their safety. The powerful storm gradually moved southwest, but not before leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

“The situation is improving in the north, but conditions remain severe in high-altitude areas in the west,” said Patrice Latron, La Réunion’s prefect, in an interview with Franceinfo.

Power and Water Crises Deepen Challenges

The cyclone’s impact on infrastructure was immediate and severe. At its peak, around 180,000 households—representing nearly 42% of the island’s electricity customers—were left in the dark. Additionally, almost 10% of residents found themselves without access to clean drinking water, further complicating recovery efforts.

While authorities have downgraded the emergency alert level from the highest category, purple, to red, the situation remains critical. This downgrade allows emergency responders to begin damage assessments and assist those most affected. However, a strict stay-at-home order remains in effect as officials warn of lingering hazardous conditions.

Ongoing Risks: Heavy Rains and Lingering Winds

Even as wind speeds have subsided to 80 mph (130 kph), meteorologists caution that dangerous gusts could still strike the island’s southwestern region. Heavy rainfall is now considered the biggest threat, heightening the risk of landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Mauritius, authorities reopened the island’s main airport as the storm moved further away, reducing the immediate threat.

Climate Change and Rising Storm Intensity

Cyclone Garance is the latest in a series of increasingly severe storms to impact the Indian Ocean region. Experts warn that climate change is contributing to the intensification of tropical cyclones, bringing stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and greater destruction to coastal communities.

“The frequency and severity of these storms are increasing due to rising sea temperatures,” noted a spokesperson from Météo France. “We’re seeing more extreme weather events that put both human lives and infrastructure at greater risk.”

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

As emergency crews assess the destruction, efforts are underway to restore essential services. Teams are working around the clock to repair power lines and restore water supply to affected communities. Authorities are also mobilizing resources to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those displaced by the storm.

Residents have been urged to remain indoors until officials declare it safe to move around. Relief organizations, including the French Red Cross, are on standby to assist those in need as the island begins its recovery process.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Resilience

With climate experts predicting more extreme weather events in the coming years, there is a growing call for stronger disaster preparedness measures. Investment in resilient infrastructure, improved early warning systems, and community-based response plans will be critical in mitigating future cyclone impacts.

For now, La Réunion faces a long road to recovery. The resilience of its people, combined with swift government action and international support, will be key in rebuilding the island and protecting it against future storms.

As La Réunion reels from the devastation of Cyclone Garance, the focus shifts to recovery and preparation for future storms. The storm serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power—and the urgent need for climate action and disaster readiness in vulnerable regions. Authorities and residents alike will now work toward rebuilding stronger and ensuring they are better equipped to face the next storm that comes their way.

Source:  (Reuters)

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, readers should verify details with official sources. The content does not constitute professional advice, and the author or publisher is not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.)

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