Cyclone Garance: Réunion Island Faces Damage, Red Alert Lifted

Cyclone Garance, which violently hit Réunion Island, has left behind significant destruction and a tragic toll. On Saturday, March 1, the red alert was lifted, but the island continues to assess the full extent of the damage caused by torrential rains and devastating winds. The storm claimed four lives and caused widespread power and water outages.

Damage Report

As a result of the storm, more than 180,000 homes were left without electricity, while 171,000 homes are still without running water. The water situation remains critical, and the Regional Health Agency recommends drinking bottled water or boiling tap water. Water cuts have also been reported in several areas of Saint-Denis, including Domenjod, La Bretagne, and other sectors affected by power outages. The human toll is heavy, with four confirmed deaths, including one person swept away by the floodwaters and another killed in an electrical fire in Saint-Denis.

Road Network and Air Traffic

The road network has suffered significant damage. The coastal road (RN1) remains closed, and several major routes are blocked due to landslides, flooding, and debris. Cleanup efforts are underway, but travel remains hazardous. Roland Garros Airport will partially reopen at 18:30 for air traffic to resume, with the first flight scheduled for 21:00.

Interventions and Reinforcements

Local authorities, supported by national reinforcements, are deploying exceptional resources to manage repairs and ensure safety. The armed forces, firefighters, and gendarmes are arriving to assist the population and secure the most affected areas.

A Heavy Human and Material Toll

Garance’s passage also caused significant material damage. Thousands of agricultural businesses have been destroyed, and several facilities, including the Est Réunion Hospital Group, sustained considerable damage. In Saint-Denis, streets are flooded, and videos show cars being swept away by the waters. Despite the red alert being lifted, authorities are urging caution, as the situation remains precarious.

Returning to normal will take time, and residents are advised to limit their travel until safety conditions are restored.