La Réunion Braces for Cyclone Garance, Red Alert Declared
On the evening of February 27, 2025, La Réunion was placed under red alert as Cyclone Garance approached, threatening to bring powerful winds and severe weather conditions to the island. The alert was activated at 19:00 local time (16:00 GMT), marking the beginning of mandatory confinement protocols for the residents with the expectation of intense storm impacts.
The cyclone, classified as a category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, was reported to be less than 300 km north of La Réunion, moving southeast at 7 km/h. With wind speeds already reaching 165 km/h and gusts potentially exceeding 230 km/h, the situation drew immediate concern from local officials and meteorologists alike. "At 17:00 local time, Garance was producing wind gusts of up to 230 km/h, indicating its intensity and the immediate threat it poses to lives and property," said Patrice Latron, the prefect of La Réunion.
Météo France has described Cyclone Garance as dangerous, forecasting it will pass within 50 km of the island during the night. Officials warned of expected severe weather conditions, including torrential rains, with wave heights anticipated to reach 8 meters. The storm's proximity and aggressive wind patterns added to the urgency of the safety measures being enforced.
The prefect urged residents to adopt cautious measures, stating, "Stay indoors, do not take risks, and keep informed." Cyclone Garance's projected landfall is expected to occur between 5:00 and 6:00 on February 28, particularly affecting the northern regions of the island.
School closures, halting of public transportation, and suspensions of all commercial flights were among the immediate actions taken to safeguard the population. By midday on February 27, the island's ports and the international airport had already ceased operations. "All activities at the ports stopped by Wednesday afternoon; fishermen are securing equipment and taking every precaution," reported one local fisherman from Sainte-Marie port.
Meanwhile, as the cyclone approached, local authorities prepared to manage the crisis. A general confinement was deemed necessary, prohibiting non-essential movement of residents. Officials are on high alert for potential flooding and operational disruptions across the island.
Météo France has consistently updated forecasting models, indicating substantial uncertainty about the cyclone's exact path. "There are two significant models at play; outcomes predict the cyclone could either skirt the east or west of the island, which would have drastically different effects depending on the path taken," explained one meteorologist. "Regardless, residents should prepare for damaging winds across La Réunion".
Gusts of 150-180 km/h are expected as the night progresses, creating concerns about power outages and damages. Authorities recommend residents maintain adequate supplies and readiness for potential evacuation if conditions deteriorate dangerously. Electrical service provider EDF Mobil has alerted its teams and cannot dispatch aid during red alert periods. They emphasized, "Our teams are ready, but operations can only resume after the safety situation is deemed secure."
Emergency protocols are being enhanced with coordination across local government departments, healthcare services, and community resources to support vulnerable residents, including those requiring medical assistance. Prefect Latron highlighted the need to stay connected with official sources for instructions and updates, stating, "Keep emergency contacts handy and prepare for contingencies."
La Réunion is historically prone to cyclonic activity, and memories of previous storms loom large as anxiety permeates the air. Recent cyclones, such as Belal, which claimed multiple lives and caused extensive damage last January, remind the island's residents of their vulnerability.
Cyclone Hyacinthe and others throughout the island's history have shaped safety protocols currently enforced as preemptive measures against weather catastrophes.
"We must respect the confinement measures; there will still be considerable risks post-cyclone as infrastructure may suffer damages," Latron emphasized. Local emergency services and rescue teams will continue operating under red alerts and have been advised to remain vigilant for changing conditions.
The situation remains fluid and forecasts will be closely monitored as Cyclone Garance bears down on La Réunion, ensuring the community remains informed and as secure as possible amid the considerable risks associated with cyclonic weather.