On Friday, February 28, 2025, Cyclone Garance, classified as an intense tropical cyclone, continues on its course to hit Reunion Island. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties as the cyclone approaches.
Currently, 675 individuals are being accommodated across 128 emergency centers and eight life centers as local authorities strive to provide safe refuge. The Prefect of Reunion stated at a press conference, "More than 600 individuals are currently located within the shelter facilities." By 9 AM, as the cyclone approached the capital of Saint-Denis, shelters commenced receiving evacuees, including 120 individuals spread across various locations.
Emergency protocols have been activated, leading to around 26 calls received since the activation of the red alert on their emergency hotline for immediate shelter assistance. Specifically, the following arrangements have been made: 54 homeless individuals have been taken to the 2 Canons shelter; 40 people, including six families, have been placed at the Champ-Fleuri shelter; 12 individuals are at the Montagne center; nine people at the Brulé shelter; two at the Saint-François center; 18 at the La Bretagne center; and finally, two at the Grande Chaloupe shelter.
By 7 AM on the same day, the situation at Saint-Pierre revealed 83 individuals had been preemptively taken care of at the various centers, with about thirty being housed at the Terre Sainte school, Jacques Prévert. Six individuals received care at the life center managed by the CCAS at Nelson Mandela gymnasium, which is equipped for medical supplies and respiratory assistance. Fortunately, according to municipal reports, no incidents were reported overnight.
Over in the west, Saint-Paul's shelter has also received 130 individuals. Authorities established a command post at the Saint-Paul town hall, where local teams including law enforcement and the municipal police are closely monitoring the cyclone's path. Mayor Emmanuel Séraphin reassured residents, saying, "If you have any concerns, you can call the center which will respond to all requests. Safety, firefighting, and monitoring our elderly… We will move to violet alert, and services will cease operations after 9 AM. I urge everyone to stay at home and refrain from unnecessary risks. It is imperative each person preserves their life as well as those of rescuers."
Meanwhile, the town of Tampon reported 51 individuals are currently accommodated at their shelters, including some who ventured out against the prevailing bad weather and prefectural bans. Shelters continue to have sufficient capacity to accommodate more evacuees. Lists detailing available shelter locations organized by district are accessible at this link.
Preventive evacuations were enacted, particularly at Saint-Denis due to flooding risks and Salazie because of potential landslides. On Thursday, Saint-Benoît's mayor, Patrice Selly, issued a preventive evacuation order for Ilet Coco and Ilet Danclas due to rising water risks. Overflowing rivers may also impact the downtown area along the left bank, compounding the risk for certain sectors, including areas such as the former maternity center and the streets of Montfleury and Bertin.
Later, Cyclone Garance’s impact continued to escalate, and by noon, the island shifted from the purple alert to red alert. Reports indicated violent winds could exceed 200km/h, coupled with intense rains and hazardous sea conditions.
Authorities continue to assure residents of their safety, capitalizing on secure shelter operations and precautionary measures to mitigate the cyclone's potential effects. This collective response signifies the community's resilience amid challenging circumstances.