Cyclone Garance has made its powerful presence felt across Reunion Island, leading to severe power outages and challenges for local residents. Since Friday, as the cyclone drew nearer, the impact on the electrical grid became increasingly significant, particularly affecting neighborhoods like Saint-Benoît and the eastern zones of the island.
According to the latest briefing from the Prefect, around 180,000 households—approximately 42% of the island's total—were plunged without electricity by Friday evening. The cyclone's violent winds, reaching over 200 km/h, compounded by torrential rains, have wreaked havoc on local infrastructure. Lightning strikes on the electrical network prior to the worst of the cyclone caused immediate outages affecting 70,000 clients.
The utility company, EDF (Electricité de France), has mobilized its teams to tackle these challenges head-on. "The teams of EDF are deployed for diagnostics and teleoperations to restore electricity as quickly as possible," stated EDF officials. With nearly 200 technicians on standby, the company plans to commence restoration work immediately after the red alert is lifted on Saturday at 10 AM. Currently, 12 high-voltage lines remain out of service, and several transformers have been compromised, necessitating thorough inspections and repairs.
Compounding the situation, the water supply on the island is also critically affected. Reports indicate reservoirs at Abondance, chemin Sévère, and Piton Armand are depleted, posing risks for about 9,000 households. With extensive repairs needed, the local authorities have been issuing warnings about the necessity to conserve water during this crisis.
The emergency response to Cyclone Garance has also witnessed many residents seeking refuge due to the extreme weather. Emergency shelters have been set up across the region, but these facilities are already reporting full occupancy. "The emergency shelters are full, with 51 people at Bras-Fusil and 56 at Sainte-Anne," reported local authorities. Families displaced from their homes are now relying on these centers for safety as the cyclone causes widespread damage.
Ironically, as these protective measures are being put in place, the situation on the ground remains unpredictable. With EDF stating they are prepared to restore services swiftly once conditions allow, the local population is urged to remain cautious and adhere to safety protocols put forth by the authorities.
The effects of Cyclone Garance serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of island infrastructures to natural disasters. While recovery efforts are already underway, the extent of the damages remains uncertain. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and remind residents to stay informed via official channels.
The cyclone's fierce winds and accompanying rainfall have not just caused physical disruptions but have also created emotional strains for many families. Residents remain hopeful for swift recovery yet are bracing themselves for the lessons learned from this event.
Local officials insist on the importance of community resilience during these unprecedented times, urging residents to look out for one another as they navigate through the storm's aftermath.