In brief
Cyclone Garance has wreaked havoc on Reunion Island, claiming three lives and leaving over 180,000 households without electricity. With powerful winds peaking at 234 km/h, emergency services were put on high alert as residents were instructed to stay indoors, while assistance from mainland France and nearby Mayotte is being prepared.
Three lives were lost in the aftermath of Cyclone Garance as it tore through the French Indian Ocean territory of Reunion, reaching wind speeds of up to 234 km/h (145 mph). After making landfall early Friday morning, the cyclone affected over 180,000 homes, cutting off power and access to running water for approximately 170,000 residents. In response to the cyclone, the entire population, including police and emergency services, was ordered to remain indoors as authorities issued the highest level of alert. As rainstorms persisted, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou emphasized on social media that the danger posed by the cyclone was still imminent. Prefect Patrice Latron described the violent conditions as "more brutal" than those experienced during Cyclone Belal, which earlier took four lives in January 2024. Garance made landfall in the northern region of the island at 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) and moved southward, exiting the territory by late afternoon. By midday, local authorities lowered the alert status, permitting emergency workers to step out of their shelters.The last recorded wind speed on Reunion Island was during Cyclone Hollanda in February 1994, making Garance's intensity notably concerning. Resident Vincent Clain, 45, expressed fear over the cyclone's severity, remarking it was his first experience with such a powerful storm.As conditions began to improve, preparations were made for the deployment of 100 troops and firefighters from Mayotte, which is located nearly 1,500 km (930 miles) away, as well as another contingent from mainland France. In nearby Mauritius, a 55-year-old man was reported missing after swimming in hazardous seas just days before the cyclone's arrival. France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized Garance as one of "rare intensity," while Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that the armed forces were ready to offer assistance.
