Cyclone Garance Wrecks France’s La Réunion Island, Leaving Three Dead

• Three people have died due to Cyclone Garance’s impact.
• The cyclone brought winds of up to 155 mph to La Réunion island.
• Over 180,000 households are facing power outages.
• Authorities have downgraded the storm alert after the worst has passed.
• Residents are expressing fear and sharing harrowing experiences.

Cyclone Garance Causes Widespread Devastation

Cyclone Garance has tragically claimed three lives as it ravaged the French overseas territory of La Réunion. Winds surged to frightening speeds of 155 miles an hour (about 96 mph), as reported by authorities. Striking on Friday, the cyclone made its landing in the north of this Indian Ocean island situated east of Madagascar, where it caused massive destruction, blowing away roofs and disrupting essential services such as electricity and access to drinking water.

Emergency Services Begin Damage Assessment

Authorities reported that over 180,000 households experienced power outages, roughly translating to 42% of the island’s electricity utility customers. As the storm exited the southwest of the island hours after hitting, Meteo France indicated that while the worst was over, there remained risks. A mandatory order for residents to remain indoors was still in effect. Heavy rains have now emerged as a more pressing concern, following a downgrade of the storm alert from purple to red earlier in the day, allowing rescue crews to leave shelters and assess the damage.

Residents Share Their Experiences

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou urged residents via the social media platform X to pay heed to local authorities’ guidance. He expressed sympathy for those grappling with challenges and aftermath of the cyclone. Reports indicate that the nearby island of Mauritius shut down its major airport on Wednesday, while La Réunion suspended its flights on Thursday, although its international airport is slated to reopen later on Saturday. As for the residents, many described their harrowing experiences during the cyclone, with eyewitness Vincent Clain sharing his fear for the first time as trees were uprooted in his yard.

In summary, Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on La Réunion island, leading to tragic loss of life and significant property damage. The cyclone’s destructive impact resulted in extensive power outages and compromised access to essential resources for many. As recovery efforts begin, residents are recalling their terrifying experiences while authorities maintain caution as cleanup and repair efforts unfold.