In brief
As Cyclone Garance wreaks havoc in Reunion, the island faces power outages and severe damage, with authorities issuing warnings of continued threats.
Three fatalities have been reported on Reunion Island following the ravaging effects of Cyclone Garance, which lashed the French overseas territory with winds reaching speeds of 234 km/h (145 mph). Since the cyclone made landfall on Friday morning, more than 180,000 homes have been left without electricity, while approximately 170,000 residents are experiencing disruptions to their water supply. In response to the devastating winds and heavy rainfall, local authorities implemented a maximum alert level, ordering the entire population, including emergency responders, to remain indoors. Despite the cyclone’s exit from the island by late afternoon, Prime Minister François Bayrou cautioned residents via social media that the danger remains as rain and severe conditions were expected to linger.Prefect Patrice Latron characterized the storm as "brutal and violent," comparing it to the earlier Cyclone Belal that resulted in four fatalities this past January. Cyclone Garance’s intensity has prompted a response from emergency services, with military personnel poised to assist once weather conditions permit. As of midday on Friday, local authorities began to lower alert levels, allowing emergency crews to venture out for damage assessment and rescue operations.Vincent Clain, a resident of the island’s northern coast, shared his firsthand experience, stating, "This is the first time I've seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I've been afraid." In nearby Mauritius, a 55-year-old man is reported missing after being swept away by tumultuous seas. With statements from France’s ministers highlighting the rare intensity of Garance, preparations continue for any further assistance required to reinstate order and safety in the affected areas.
