Cyclone Garance has brought devastation to Réunion Island, impacting over 50,000 residents and leaving many grieving the loss of their homes and belongings. The cyclone wreaked havoc, particularly affecting neighborhoods in the East and North, creating challenges for both the inhabitants and local authorities.
Reports from districts like Bas-de-la-Rivière paint a bleak picture of destruction, where homes, cars, and personal belongings have been swept away by unprecedented flooding caused by the historic rise of the Saint-Denis River. Residents from the Colline neighborhood are facing extraordinary hardship, as five houses were demolished by the deluge. On March 3, 2025, community solidarity has sparked widespread efforts to support those impacted. "We have received clothes and non-perishable food from people, and we really appreciate everyone’s kindness," expressed Ms. Banor, one of the residents affected.
Many families remain without running water or electricity, adding to their struggles. "We hope for urgent assistance from the state, the municipality, and the department to help clear out the debris and to repair the roads if possible," said Célestine, also reflecting the collective yearning for restoration of normalcy.
Among the hardest hit, the Butor neighborhood remains inaccessible following the cyclone, with mud and debris blocking access routes. Numerous agents have been deployed since the storm to clear the roads and restore traffic where possible. Violence from rising waters has led to significant damage to homes, and those living near the ravine were not spared. Local resident Léa, who lives along the ravine, has found herself knee-deep in mud since Friday, struggling to clean up her home. "I still have not finished cleaning, and help is definitely welcomed," she remarked, as volunteers rallied around to assist her.
Charlotte, another resident from the Butor neighborhood, shared her unfortunate predicament. "My car is underwater, so I’m emptying it out and I hope it will dry out and start again, maybe by miracle," she lamented, highlighting the personal toll taken by the cyclone's fury.
Even as emergency services continue to respond to the catastrophic events, neighborhoods like La Source exhibit remarkable community spirit. The canal nearby overflowed, leading neighbors to come to each other’s aid. A resident described their efforts following the lifting of the red alert, stating, "We mainly came to support each other psychologically, to remove everything damaged. We checked on elderly neighbors to see if they were okay and helped carry water for them." This mutual aid reflects the resilience and camaraderie of the community during trying times.
The humanitarian response has been heartening. Local charity groups, the Red Cross, and even military personnel were reported to be mobilizing to provide emergency relief. Donations of clothes and food continue to pour in from various quarters, reflecting the island's communal ethos. The coordinating body, CINOR, announced exceptional rubbish collections post-storm, urging residents to separate yard waste from other items to facilitate optimal clean-up operations.
The needs of the residents are urgent and extensive. On the same note, many residents are calling for structures and support systems to be reinforced. Célestine's plea for government assistance indicates the necessity for infrastructural resilience against future climate events. After such devastation caused by Cyclone Garance, the voices of those who endured this calamity echo the call for stronger support and resources.
The community’s resilience shines through as they navigate the recovery process from this natural disaster. Local leaders and organizations are stepping up, and the shared human experience of loss and recovery unites everyone affected. Despite the challenges, the collective spirit of the Réunion residents holds hope for rebuilding and healing, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and sustained aid from authorities, ensuring such disasters can be tackled with strength and unity.