Cyclone Garance Strikes Reunion Island: Emergency Response and Public Safety
On February 28, 2025, Cyclone Garance made landfall on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, bringing with it torrential rains and winds exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph). This intense cyclone has caused significant damage, including flooding, power outages, and structural damage to buildings. The situation is critical, with residents advised to remain indoors due to ongoing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Location and Impact
Reunion Island, located east of Madagascar, is home to approximately 900,000 residents. The cyclone’s impact has been most severe in the eastern part of the island, where tarpaulins are being distributed to provide temporary shelter for affected residents. The island’s primary airport recorded wind gusts of up to 214 km/h, marking this as one of the most severe cyclones in nearly a century.
Emergency Response and Public Safety
- Evacuations and Shelters: According to the Reunion prefecture, 683 individuals sought refuge in emergency shelters, while 54 were evacuated as a precautionary measure due to potential flooding and landslides. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
- Infrastructure Damage: The cyclone has torn off roofs, doors, and windows from numerous structures, leading to significant infrastructure damage. Approximately 30% of residences experienced power outages, and nearly 10% of the island’s population faced a shortage of potable water.
- Weather Alerts: Meteo France issued a red warning for the island, citing high waves and strong winds. Although the highest-level purple cyclone warning was lifted on Friday morning, the island remained under a red alert, with residents urged to stay indoors.
Official Statements and Safety Recommendations
Local authorities have emphasized the importance of staying indoors until the storm passes. The prefecture has distributed tarpaulins to assist the most affected regions. Residents are advised to follow all instructions from local authorities and to stay informed through official channels.
Rescue Operations
Rescue teams began operations after the purple alert was lifted, focusing on areas with the most severe damage. The ongoing red alert indicates that heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue, necessitating continued caution.
Community Response
The community has shown resilience in the face of this disaster, with many residents seeking shelter and following safety guidelines. The lack of reported fatalities is a testament to the effectiveness of the emergency response efforts.
Sources
- AP News: Cyclone Garance Hits Reunion Island
- AccuWeather: Intense Cyclone Garance to Hit Reunion
- Yahoo News: Cyclone Garance Hits French Indian Ocean Island
