Three dead as Cyclone Garance wrecks France’s La Reunion island

Cyclone Garance Wreaks Havoc on La Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance unleashed its fury on the French overseas territory of La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. On Friday, the cyclone made landfall in the northern part of the island, located east of Madagascar, with wind speeds reaching as high as 155 mph (250 km/h). The sheer force of the storm ripped off roofs, disrupted power supplies, and cut off access to clean drinking water for many residents. Authorities reported that at least three people lost their lives as a result of the cyclone’s wrath. The storm’s_intensity forced the nearby tourist island of Mauritius to shut down its main airport on Wednesday, while La Reunion closed its flights on Thursday. The international airport on La Reunion was set to reopen late on Saturday as weather conditions began to improve.

A Glimpse into the Storm’s Fury

The cyclone’s impact was felt across the island, with 180,000 households—approximately 42% of the electricity utility’s customers—left without power. Additionally, nearly 10% of residents lost access to drinking water, exacerbating the crisis. The storm’s ferocity was so overwhelming that even the local weather agency, Meteo France, described it as one of the most powerful cyclones to hit the island in recent memory. Despite the storm beginning to subside, heavy rains posed a significant risk in the aftermath, prompting authorities to maintain a mandatory order for residents to stay indoors until conditions improved.

Human Toll and Personal Stories of Survival

The cyclone’s destructive power left residents shaken and frightened. Vincent Clain, a 45-year-old resident of Sainte-Marie on the northern coast, shared his harrowing experience with AFP. "This is the first time I’ve seen a cyclone this powerful, and also the first time I’ve been afraid," he said. Clain recounted how the storm uprooted trees in his garden, making him fear they would crash into his house. He, his wife, their son, and their dog took shelter in the kitchen, the safest area of their home. Similarly, Aline Etheve, a resident of Sainte-Suzanne on the coast, expressed her fears as the storm destroyed her garden fence, leaving her worried that the roof of her house might collapse. "I must admit I’m a little scared," she admitted, as she struggled without power and Wi-Fi.

Authorities’ Response and Calls for Caution

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou took to social media on Friday to address the situation, urging residents to follow local authorities’ instructions and remain vigilant. "The cyclone is still a threat for the island, I call on all to follow local authorities’ instructions," he said on X. "Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones who have been hit hard." His words underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for collective action to ensure safety. Meanwhile, rescue workers were able to begin assessing the damage and assisting those affected after the storm alert was downgraded from the highest level, purple, to red earlier in the day.

Assessing the Damage and Looking Ahead

As the cyclone began to move away from the island, the situation gradually improved. Weather conditions were expected to stabilize by Saturday, offering hope to the battered residents. However, the aftermath of the cyclone will likely take time to address. The prefecture reported extensive disruptions, with power and water supplies still out for thousands of households. The road to recovery will require coordinated efforts from local authorities, relief organizations, and the community. For now, the people of La Reunion Island are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives after one of the most terrifying storms in recent memory.

A Community in Resilience

While Cyclone Garance has left profound scars on La Reunion Island, the resilience and solidarity of its people shine through. From the fear and uncertainty came stories of survival, courage, and hope. As the island begins the long process of recovery, residents like Vincent Clain and Aline Etheve remind us of the human spirit’s ability to endure even the most daunting challenges. The cyclone may have tested their resolve, but it could not break their strength. As La Reunion Island looks to the future, the lessons learned from this ordeal will undoubtedly shape its path forward, inspiring a community determined to rebuild and move ahead together.