Cyclone Garance has made landfall on the French territory of Réunion Island, bringing with it unprecedented winds and torrential rains. On February 28, 2025, the cyclone struck the island's northern coast with winds reaching up to 230 kilometers per hour (143 miles per hour), marking it as the strongest storm to hit the region since Cyclone Firinga in 1989.
The French meteorological agency, Météo France, issued the highest level of alert—purple—citing severe conditions across the entire island. The warning indicated the potential for winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and rainfall surpassing 200 millimeters. Following the initial storm impact, authorities downgraded the alert to red as conditions began to stabilize.
Reports show devastating effects from Garance, with at least three confirmed fatalities. These deaths were attributed to various incidents including drowning, house fires, and drowning from falling debris like trees. Local emergency services reported significant infrastructure damage, particularly to housing and electrical systems.
By mid-morning on February 28, approximately 200,000 homes reported power outages, leaving about 180,000 residents without electricity and 80,000 without access to potable water. The situation has forced many residents to seek refuge, with 683 people utilizing emergency shelter services, as rescuers continue to assess the damage.
This cyclone's devastation is reminiscent of previous disasters, particularly the impact of Cyclone Chido, which hit nearby Mayotte last December, resulting in widespread destruction and multiple fatalities. Réunion’s local government, under the direction of President Emmanuel Macron, has faced criticism for its preparedness and response to the severe weather events affecting French territories.
Prior to Garance's arrival, residents received extensive warnings and evacuation orders for areas most at risk for flooding and landslides. Despite these precautions, the cyclone's speed and severity caught many off guard, leading to significant community strain.
Throughout the morning, Garance’s destructive winds uprooted trees, tore roofs off buildings, and caused multiple landslides, particularly impacting the eastern regions of the island. For example, the main airport, Gillot Airport, recorded wind speeds of 214 kilometers per hour (133 miles per hour). Unprecedented rainfall and flooding followed, creating treacherous conditions on the streets and prompting multiple road closures. "The streets are completely deserted, and the damage is widespread," remarked one local resident, who shared images of Saint-Denis, the island's capital, nearly unrecognizable under the storm’s fury.
Social media has become a channel for residents to share their experiences and showcase the real-time devastation. Images posted online reveal streets turned to rivers, debris-laden roadways, and military-style rescue operations initiated to assist residents trapped by rising waters.
The reaction from the local government has been proactive, with officials deploying rescue teams and coordinating relief efforts to provide immediate aid to those affected. They are assessing damages and planning long-term recovery strategies as they face the aftermath of Cyclone Garance.
Rescue workers echo community frustrations, as they convey the challenges posed by downed communications and power lines. Emergency services reported difficulties reaching some of the hardest-hit areas due to heavy debris blocking roads. "We are doing what we can, but the magnitude of the storm is unlike anything we've faced before," stated one local emergency service officer.
Community resilience has emerged as residents band together, assisting each other where possible. Many have shared resources and provided information via social media on available shelters and medical assistance locations. "We must stay strong as we go through this together," said another resident, reassuring those overwhelmed by the storm's impact.
Looking forward, weather experts have indicated the storm system could continue to affect local weather patterns, warning of potential heavy rainfall following the cyclone's passage. Recovery may take weeks or months, with local officials and aid organizations gearing up for extensive reconstruction efforts.
Réunion Island has faced harsh realities this February, reminding the community of its vulnerability to such natural disasters. The emotional toll remains high as residents confront the aftereffects of Cyclone Garance, mourning lost lives and enduring hardships brought by powerful forces of nature.