La Reunion Island was just hit HARD by Cyclone Garance! This wasn’t your average storm; we’re talking killer winds, crazy floods, and lives turned upside down. Get ready for the full story on the devastation and how residents are coping.
- Two people confirmed dead as Cyclone Garance ripped through La Reunion.
- Winds reached a mind-blowing 230 kilometers per hour!
- Over 180,000 homes are without power, and water is scarce.
- Residents describe the cyclone as the scariest experience of their lives.
- International aid is on its way to help with the aftermath.
Cyclone Garance: A Nightmare Unleashed
Cyclone Garance didn’t just visit La Reunion; it attacked! On Friday, the island was pummeled by winds reaching up to 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour. This wasn’t just a bit of rain and wind; this was a full-blown disaster. The French Indian Ocean territory, home to 900,000 people, is now reeling from the impact.
Fatalities and Devastation
Tragedy struck as the storm made landfall. One woman in her 50s was reportedly sucked into a sewer pipe – a truly horrific event. A man died in an electrical fire, and at the time of reporting, another person remained missing. The local prefect described the storm as “brutal and violent,” and he wasn’t exaggerating.
Island Paralyzed
The numbers tell a grim story: 180,000 households without power, 80,000 without water, and 114,000 without mobile phone coverage. Imagine being stranded with no way to communicate or get essential supplies. This is the reality for many on La Reunion right now.
Residents have been sharing photos and videos online, and the images are shocking. Uprooted trees, roofs torn off buildings, and streets completely flooded. Cars were seen being washed away like toys. One resident, Adrien, watched helplessly as his car was overturned by the torrent.
“First Time I’ve Been Afraid”
The authorities imposed a maximum alert, confining everyone to their homes and offices. Even emergency services were initially grounded. While the alert has eased, people are still urged to stay indoors. Patrice Latron, the prefect, stated that Garance was even fiercer than Cyclone Belal, which claimed four lives in January 2024.
Vincent Clain, a resident of Sainte-Marie, told AFP, “This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid.” He and his family hid in their kitchen, fearing the trees in their garden would crash into the house.
Community in Crisis
Aline Etheve, from Sainte-Suzanne, is worried about her roof collapsing after the storm destroyed her garden fence. “I must admit I’m a little scared,” she said, adding that she’s lost power and internet access.
Emergency Response
Nearly 700 people sought shelter in emergency structures across the island. Help is on the way, with troops and firefighters being dispatched from Mayotte and mainland France. La Reunion and Mauritius had been on high alert since Wednesday, with both islands closing their main airports.
France Responds
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called Garance of a “rare intensity,” while Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu assured that armed forces were ready to assist. Residents had scrambled to stock up on essentials before the storm hit, with farmers dismantling greenhouses and fishermen pulling boats onto land.
Tales from the Ground
Jean-Christophe Hoareau, a farmer, spoke of feeling powerless in the face of the storm. Marie Rose Gaze, a 61-year-old from Saint-Denis, witnessed satellite dishes, clothes lines, and even chunks of cement being blown off a building across from her home. At one point, she feared the entire building would collapse.
La Reunion: What’s Next?
As the storm moves away, the focus shifts to recovery. Rebuilding homes, restoring power, and providing support to those affected. La Reunion faces a long road ahead, but the resilience of its people will be key to overcoming this disaster.
Consider supporting disaster relief organizations that are providing assistance to the affected communities. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in helping those in need recover and rebuild their lives.