The island of La Réunion is currently under the highest alert as Cyclone Garance approaches, necessitating drastic safety measures for residents. Beginning at 9 AM local time on February 28, 2025, the island was placed on violet alert, signaling the need for all citizens, including emergency service personnel, to remain confined indoors.
Prefect Patrice Latron announced the alert due to forecasts predicting wind gusts could exceed 200 km/h. He stated, "This decision is taken at the moment when there is danger to human life." The winds and potential flooding expected from the cyclone could result in severe damage, leading to mandatory confinement for the entire population.
Céline Jauffret, the interregional director of Météo-France, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, warning, "On s'attend à un impact direct du mur de l'œil et de l'œil dans la matinée." This indicates the cyclone's eye and its surrounding wall of winds are expected to hit the island head-on during the morning hours.
Local authorities have urged residents to heed safety instructions and avoid traveling outside. French President Emmanuel Macron, via social media, called for vigilance from the population, stating, "J'appelle nos compatriotes réunionnais à la plus grande vigilance et au respect des consignes de sécurité. L'État est à vos côtés et nos forces mobilisées. Solidarité de la Nation."
The impact of the cyclone is already being felt across La Réunion, with reports indicating the gusts have begun to affect the island. Emmanuel Séraphin, the mayor of Saint-Paul, shared with Franceinfo, "Les conditions se sont vraiment dégradées," noting the deteriorated weather conditions, characterized by intense winds and heavy rainfall.
To assist those at risk, all communes on the island have opened emergency shelters. More than 500 individuals without stable housing have found refuge within these facilities. Utilities, meanwhile, are struggling to maintain service; reports indicate over 4,000 households are without electricity as of Friday morning, and 8.4% of subscribers lack internet or phone access.
The airport, International Airport of La Réunion, suspended all flights on Thursday morning, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring public safety. The airport on the nearby island of Mauritius has also ceased operations as the cyclone bears down on La Réunion, expected to pass at minimal distance of 50 km from the island.
Residents prepared throughout Thursday, with some noting the long queues at supermarkets as they rushed to gather essentials. One shopper lamented, "Je me suis dit que j’avais le temps de faire mes courses, mauvaise pioche," expressing frustration at the unexpected delays.
Agricultural communities are bracing for potential devastation, fearing crops could be lost just like during the cyclone Belal event last January, which resulted in four fatalities. Jean-Christophe Hoareau, a local producer, shared his worries about the impending storm and the destruction it might cause to his crops.
Officials have emphasized the importance of following the directive to remain indoors, especially considering the potential return of strong gales after the eye of the cyclone passes. Jauffret advised to remain cautious of the temporary lull, stating, "Ne sortez pas, car cela va reprendre de façon aussi violente après le passage de l’œil. La période de danger concerne toute la matinée et une bonne partie de l’après-midi."
Garance remains classified as a powerful tropical cyclone, but there have been indications of it beginning to weaken. Nevertheless, the risk it poses to La Réunion remains significant, with all eyes on the cyclone as it approaches land.
While the islanders brace for challenging hours, the importance of solidarity and vigilance is being stressed by leaders at all levels. With the situation still developing, authorities are committed to keeping residents informed and safe throughout the cyclone's passage. The entire island of La Réunion remains on high alert as they prepare for the worst, hoping for the best.